Nigerian 400m star Chidi Okezie on the hunt for Absa Kip Keino Classic gold
"There’s something special about running in Africa, with Africans, for Africa. Every time I race here, it feels like I’m contributing to a bigger story, the story of African excellence in track and field."
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27- Reigning African Games men’s 400m champion, Chidi Okezie is the latest high profile athlete to land in Kenya for Saturday’s Absa Kip Keino Classic.
The May 31 track and field showdown is the sixth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series meet of the season and will be held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
United States-born Nigerian sprinter Okezie who has a 45.24 lifetime best in the lap-race, says running at the Absa Kip Keino Classic is a reaffirmation of his African identity.
"There’s something special about running in Africa, with Africans, for Africa. Every time I race here, it feels like I’m contributing to a bigger story, the story of African excellence in track and field,” Okezie told this website after jetting into the country on Monday night.
The 2012 World Junior 4X400m relay champion believes African sprinters have earned the respect of their peers from Europe and the Americas and competing in events like Absa Kip Keino Classic boosts short-distance running in the continent.
"You saw it at the World Relays , Africa is rising. South Africa took home multiple medals. Botswana is doing great. Kenya is doing great. Nigeria is doing great. I just want to help keep that spirit alive,” the 31-year-old added.
Off the track, Okezie is a passionate Real Madrid fan, though he admits he enjoys watching any good football match.
Manchester United Fanatic
“My stepdad, on the other hand, is a die-hard Manchester United fanatic,” he added with a grin following a nightmare season for the English giants who finished the season in 15th place.
Okezie will be running his third 400m outdoor race of the season in Saturday, having finished fourth (45.15) at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix (April 12) before winning bronze at the 115th Drake Relays in Des Moines, US in 45.46 (April 26).
He opened his year with two wins and a bronze finish indoors and maintains his strong start to the campaign is evidence he is primed to go for the gold on Saturday.
“That’s the fastest I’ve ever opened a season. I feel strong, focused, and hungry,” he quipped.
Okezie talked up his mission to bag an elusive world title at the Tokyo 2025 Worlds in September.
“I’ve always admired the history of Nigerian sprinting , the legends, the culture, the pride. I want my name on that list. That’s why this race matters.”
And on Saturday, he will be running against only one thing.
“The timer. That’s my only competition. When I’m on the track, I believe I’m the best out there. It’s me against the clock.”
Although his schedule is packed, Okezie hopes to experience some of Kenya’s famed tourist attractions after the race.
“I’ve heard about Masai Mara. I’d love to see the lions, zebras, and giraffes, but after I’ve done what I came here to do.”
-By Robert Kibet | Freelance Journalist
-Photo Credits: Peter Njoroge
