The Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist's grin grew wider as Gatlin sang praises of his young career thus far, advised him to take it easy and remain focused and finally, tipped him to go far. The presence of elite names, such as Gatlin, Olympic 100m silver medalist Fred Kerley, Trayvon Bromell - the world's fastest man in 100m this year - and Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali has spiced up the event and turned the world's attention to Kenya.Īt a press briefing yesterday, national 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala was all smiles as he shared a table with Gatlin, who he looks up to as a sprints legend. If all goes according to script, then the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic may be one of the most-talked-about athletics events for 2021 - alongside the Tokyo Olympics and the Diamond League series.Īs per the start list, it will be a David vs Goliath battle between and among giants of athletics and upstarts who are hoping for statement wins. In what has been a busy athletics calendar for many athletes, what better way to close out their season than in the land known as the cradle of long distance legends? The World Athletics Continental Tour meeting is the last of a series of one-day events that has so far featured other cities, such as Budapest (Hungary), Zagreb (Croatia), Liege (Belgium), Leverkusen (Germany) and Madrid (Spain), among others. The American is among hundreds of runners who will be battling it out at today's Kip Keino Classic Tour at Moi Stadium, Kasarani and is undoubtedly one of the headline acts at the one-day event. This is my first time in Kenya and it is a really special feeling to be here and compete in a country renowned for producing the best long-distance runners," the 2005 world champion in 100m said. "I always believe that for you to say that you visited Africa, you have to visit the real Africa. ![]() He has been in Africa before - twice in South Africa and twice in Morocco - but the sprinter confessed he immediately connected with his African roots as soon as he landed in 'motherland' Kenya. ![]() When his plane touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday night, 2004 Olympic 100m champion Justin Gatlin excitedly captured what it means to visit Kenya for the first time.
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