Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Global champions Gabby Thomas, Camryn Rogers, and Ethan Katzberg will lead the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on Friday (24). The event debuts a new track and wavelight technology, with an evening schedule expected to add excitement to the seventh edition.
Thomas, a three-time Olympic and world gold medallist, is set for the women's 100m following a strong sprint double at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix. She lines up against defending champion Maia McCoy, Kenya's Millicent Ndoro, and a strong US contingent.
In the women's hammer throw, Canada’s Camryn Rogers returns to defend her title after starting her season with a North American record of 81.13m in Austin. She won last year's Nairobi title with a 77.93m throw, ranking eighth among her career wins. USA's Janee' Kassanavoid, a two-time world medallist, joins the field.
The men's hammer throw features Canada’s Ethan Katzberg aiming for back-to-back wins. Katzberg holds the North American record at 84.70m set at the World Championships in Tokyo. He will compete with Ukraine's Olympic bronze medallist Mykhalio Kokhan and Egypt's Mostafa Elgamel, both with throws over 81 metres.
Kenyan favorite Ferdinand Omanyala returns to the venue where he set the African 100m record of 9.77 in 2021. After his 9.98-second win in Addis Ababa, he faces challengers including Canada's Aaron Brown, USA's Brandon Hicklin, South Africa's Gift Leotlela, and Jamaica's Bryan Levell, currently ranked fourth globally in the 200m.
The men's 400m will feature Zambia’s Olympic bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga, South Africa's relay medallist Zakithi Nene, and USA's indoor silver medallist Brian Faust. Kenya’s world champion Lilian Odira also competes in the women's 800m against Ethiopia’s world indoor silver medallist.
This edition of the Kip Keino Classic is set to continue the tradition of area and national records with a stellar line-up expected to deliver standout performances.