Rio 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Röhler eyes big return in Nairobi
“There’s something about the Kenyan crowd—they really love athletics. Last time I competed at Kasarani, the atmosphere was electric. That kind of support lifts you.”
Nairobi, Kenya, May 31 – Rio 2026 Olympics men’s javelin champion Thomas Röhler is aiming to extend his winning start to the season at the Absa Kip Keino Classic on Saturday (May 31).
The German star threw 80.62m to grab silver at Kip Keino Classic last year on his debut at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
He landed in Nairobi on Thursday after winning gold with 80.37m at the 2025 Ročník Hvězdného Házení--- a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event in the Czech Republic on May 11.
“It feels good to be back. The track looks sharp, the energy is great, and I’m looking forward to a solid competition,” the 2018 European champion told this website.
“There’s something about the Kenyan crowd—they really love athletics. Last time I competed at Kasarani, the atmosphere was electric. That kind of support lifts you,” he added.
Röhler brings a huge personal best of a staggering 93.90m from the 2017 Diamond League opener in Doha, ranking him third on the all-time list.
Since winning the European and Continental Cup titles in 2018 however, the German has struggled to replicate his imposing form.
Tough Years
And he is hoping the Kip Keino Classic will be the tonic he needs as he attempts to scale back to the summit of his sport.
“This meet is still part of my comeback phase after a few tough years. I’m building rhythm, meet by meet. And so far, the training has gone well—no setbacks, no injuries.”
“I’m not here for a PB. Those over-90-meter throws are magical, but right now I just want a solid, technical performance and to throw well over 80 meters. That would be a great standard to start with.”
The German is also impressed with the growth of the Absa Kip Keino Classic as part of the global Continental Tour Series.
“It’s become an established gold-level meet. Athletes come for the points, for the crowd, and because the local community genuinely respects the sport.”
With the Tokyo Worlds in September, unusually late for the biannual track and field showpiece, Röhler is approaching the season with measured balance.
“I won’t over compete. It’s about finding that rhythm again, qualifying, and preparing the right way for Worlds. There’s still a long road ahead, but I’m optimistic.”
-Story and photo by Peter Njoroge | Freelance Journalist
