The Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour Gold meeting has quickly become one of Africa’s most anticipated athletics events, drawing a constellation of global stars and local heroes to Nairobi’s vibrant stage. As athletes and fans converge on the Kenyan capital, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of memorable performances.
Gabby Thomas on the Kip Keino Classic, life as a sprinter, academics and upcoming wedding
At the press conference, a day before the meeting, Gabby Thomas opened up about her ambitions for the upcoming continental tour, the everyday realities of life as a sprinter, the balancing act between her academic pursuits and athletics, and her excitement for her upcoming wedding with Spencer McManes.
Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic and world gold medallist, arrives in Nairobi with a sense of momentum and purpose. Fresh from her commanding sprint double at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, she is set to contest both the 100m and 200m at the Kip Keino Classic. In the 100m, Thomas will line up against Maia McCoy, who is back to defend her title, alongside fellow Americans Cambrea Sturgis and local favourite Millicent Ndoro, who is eager to impress the home crowd.
The 200m event will see Thomas once again compete with Sturgis, as well as France’s Cyréna Samba-Mayela, the 2022 world indoor 60m hurdles champion, promising an exciting and competitive field.
Gabby Thomas reflected on her career approach. “I’ve always embraced doubling events since my very first year as a pro. Early in the season, I’d mix in the 100m and 200m before shifting my focus to the 200m later on, which is the plan again this year. The 200m will be my main event at the world championships, but I also like to occasionally test myself in the 400m—it’s great practice and keeps things interesting.”
She acknowledged her potential in the 400m but admitted that, for now, she’s sticking to what works. “I know there’s a lot I could do in the 400m, but I’m keeping my approach steady. The 200m will always be my favourite—it’s the event I truly love. There’s something exhilarating about going all out, feeling the intensity, and yet having the freedom to race strategically and push myself as a competitor.”
Thomas remains open to exploring her limits. “I love the 200m, but I’m definitely open to giving the 400m a more serious try. And the 100m? It’s just pure fun. I feel like I haven’t reached my peak in any of these events, so I’m excited to see how far I can go in all three.”
Still, the 200m remains her main focus, and while she might double up at times, Thomas says she’ll see how the season unfolds.
She also spoke candidly about the demands of her sport. “Every day, we push our bodies to their limits. Last year, when I struggled with an Achilles injury, there were moments I wanted to give up because the pain was so overwhelming—it was hard, both physically and mentally.”
But she emphasised the importance of perspective. “As an athlete, you have to accept the highs and lows—that’s part of the journey and part of what makes the sport beautiful. The real beauty is in how you respond and rise from those lows.”
She even took a moment to acknowledge Ferdinand Omanyala. “What you did last week was truly inspiring—not just for me, but for so many athletes. It’s incredible to see someone persevere through challenges, keep their head up, and come back even stronger. It’s not just about physical ability, but about resilience. That’s what I love most about track and field.”
On balancing her academic and athletic careers, Thomas said, “I hope young women watching me, and all of us, realise that they too can dream big and achieve their goals. She explained that her journey started later because she prioritised STEM and her studies, but she never doubted that she could succeed in both. “It takes patience, hard work, and believing in yourself. I hope people see that in other athletes and me—that it’s possible to follow your own journey and, with dedication, achieve what you set out to do.
“For a long time, my studies took precedence, and track and field was just a passion—a side quest, in a way. Looking back, that approach really helped me. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself and was able to fall in love with the sport gradually. Even now, I think it’s important to nurture different parts of your identity—so when track and field is tough, it’s not your whole world. That balance has been key for me.
“That balance makes it easier to pick myself up and keep my passion for the sport alive. STEM can be frustrating, and sometimes I struggled with my grades or career direction, but I always found joy and freedom on the track. Having both in my life has made all the difference.”
Thomas also shared her excitement about her upcoming wedding and expressed gratitude for her fiancé, Spencer McManes, who was in the audience. “I’m extremely excited for my wedding. Spencer is so supportive, caring, and loving—he always looks out for me, both on and off the track. Having his support is so special, and it makes a huge difference for my emotional and mental well-being.”
She added, “It’s amazing to have someone by my side who helps me be my best, both in athletics and in life. We support each other, and that partnership means the world to me.”
Camryn Rogers has a world record at the back of her mind
Joining the panel was Canada’s Camryn Rogers, the standout favourite in the women’s hammer throw. Rogers returns to Nairobi with confidence, aiming to defend her title after a record-breaking start to her season.
Earlier this month in Austin, Texas, she shattered her own North American record with a throw of 81.13 meters. The 77.93 meters she achieved last year in Nairobi still ranks as the eighth-farthest winning mark of her career. Among those challenging her this time is the USA’s Janee’ Kassanavoid, a two-time world medallist.
Reflecting on her goals, Rogers said, “For my coach and me, having the world record in the back of our minds is motivating. Anita Włodarczyk‘s mark of 82.98 meters is truly incredible, and it gives us something to work toward—a focus that pushes me to keep improving. At the same time, our focus is always on long-term growth and staying healthy.
“There’s a reason that world record exists—it’s an extraordinary throw, and Anita Włodarczyk is an extraordinary athlete. Just being in the conversation feels surreal, but I want to chase that goal in a way that shows steady progress and lets me keep doing what I love for years to come,” she said.
She recalled her recent personal best. “Three weeks ago, after my biggest throw, I walked out of the ring not knowing what the mark would be. When I saw 81 on the screen, I was so excited—absolutely elated. But even then, I felt like there’s still more I can give. That’s an exciting feeling. My coach felt the same way, which tells us our training is on track. Every big moment is a chance to appreciate how far we’ve come and to figure out what’s next. These are the moments that help us grow.”
Looking ahead, Rogers said, “I’m excited to keep pushing myself for even farther throws. I’m really proud of how far my career has come, but there’s so much more I want to accomplish. This year brings the Commonwealth Games, and then it’s on to Worlds in Beijing, the Olympics, and Worlds again in 2029. The journey continues, and I can’t wait for what’s next.”
Odira looks forward to a good season opener
Kenya’s world champion, Lilian Odira, took her place among the athletes at the press conference, radiating quiet determination. As she prepares to compete in her signature event—the women’s 800m—Odira is set to face tough competition from Ethiopia’s world indoor silver medallist Nigist Getachew and the talented Habtam Gebeyehu.
With her home crowd behind her, Odira’s focus and composure were evident as she discussed her goals for the season ahead. “Tomorrow marks the beginning of our season, and for me, it’s all about seeing where I stand and how we’re progressing as a team. The most important thing is to defend my title. I’m not making promises about specific times, but if a fast result comes, we’ll celebrate it. For now, it’s about embracing the start of a new journey and appreciating whatever the day brings,” she said.
Odira shared her excitement about a new chapter in her career. “This year, I’m thrilled to be running in the Diamond League. Last year, I didn’t have the qualifying times, but now I’ve earned my place.
I’m looking forward to competing in several Diamond League events, and this meet here in Nairobi is the perfect way to open my season.”
Reflecting on her journey since winning Olympic gold in Tokyo, Odira spoke about the changes the title brought to her life. “Winning in Tokyo was a turning point—it was an incredible gesture of support from my country and a moment that changed everything for me. Being a world champion has made me hungrier for success. Now, every time I step on the track, I’m driven to do even better than I did in Tokyo. That experience has inspired me to keep pushing my limits and make my supporters proud,” Odira said.
For Levell, a sub-20-second performance will be good
Jamaica’s world bronze medallist Bryan Levell, currently ranked fourth globally in the 200m, brings a blend of quiet confidence and contagious energy to Nairobi. The 21-year-old sprint sensation, fresh off a blistering 9.90 performance in the 100m at Kingston, is ready to light up the Kip Keino Classic in his favoured 200m event. With a deep field that includes South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile and the USA’s Kyree King, Levell knows he’ll need to be at his very best. Yet, he seemed relaxed and upbeat as he spoke with reporters about his mindset and hopes for the season.
Levell reflected, “I’m really looking forward to great competition and executing my race well. The 200m here will be my first since winning bronze in Tokyo, so opening my season with this event is special. I want to enjoy the race and not put too much pressure on myself about the time, but of course, if I can run 20 seconds or better, that would be fantastic. And seeing a 9.9 on the clock for the 100m recently was an incredible feeling—it tells me I’m in great shape.”
Levell also spoke with pride about representing Jamaica’s rich sprinting tradition, saying, “It’s amazing to be part of a legacy where Jamaicans are always among the best in sprints. We get to showcase our talent on the world stage and push each other to be our best. Between the 100m and 200m, I’d have to say the 200m is my favourite. The 100m is so technical, there’s no room for error, but in the 200m I feel I can navigate the race, think through my strategy, and really run my own race. That’s what makes it special for me,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Levell recalled his first trip to Kenya for the World U20 Championships. “That was such an important moment for me. It was my first time competing outside Jamaica, my first international race as a teenager. The whole experience was amazing—it opened my eyes and helped shape who I am, both as an athlete and as a person.
“I learned that things won’t always go as planned, but you have to move forward, adapt, and keep learning.”
Returning to Nairobi now, Levell said, “Coming back here feels really special. Kenya was the place of so many firsts for me, and it’s amazing to be here again at a new stage in my career. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I still want to achieve.”
Omanyala, always the home favourite
As the evening draws to a close, all eyes will be on Ferdinand Omanyala, Kenya’s sprint superstar and the undisputed home favourite. Omanyala’s name is synonymous with electrifying finishes at the Kip Keino Classic—this is the very track where he made history in 2021, blazing to an African record of 9.77 seconds in the 100m and igniting the crowd with national pride.
He arrives in top form, coming off a 9.98 victory in Addis Ababa just last weekend, and the anticipation in Nairobi is palpable. Once again, Omanyala will face a world-class field, including Canada’s Aaron Brown, USA’s Brandon Hicklin, and South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, all eager to challenge the king on his home turf. The Nyayo Stadium will surely erupt as Omanyala settles into the blocks, ready to defend his legacy before a roaring home crowd.
Omanyala spoke with a mix of gratitude and determination. “There’s nothing like being at home. The support from Kenyan fans is incredible, and it gives me extra motivation to perform my best. We’ve built some good momentum, and tomorrow it’s all business—time to put on a show. I’m aiming to dip under ten seconds and give the crowd something to remember.” He added, “Of course, I always have my eyes on the world lead—competing with the best means striving for the very top. That’s what keeps me hungry and focused.”
Omanyala also reflected on the role of his coach in his journey. “He’s the right doctor for this patient! We’ve worked together for several years now, and whenever we face a setback, we just go back to the drawing board, put in the hard work, and trust the process. That partnership has been key to my growth, both as an athlete and as a person.”
It’s worth noting just how star-studded the lineup is for this year’s Kip Keino Classic. In fact, the press conference room could not contain all the big stars set to compete—nearly every corner of the athletics world will be represented on the track and field.
Among the elite athletes to watch are Olympic and World Champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, hammer throw world champion Ethan Katzberg, and the dynamic Kenyan World U20 3000m steeplechase brothers, Amos and Edmund Serem. Kenya’s own Mercy Oketch, a rising star in the 400m, will look to make her mark, while African javelin record-holder Julius Yego brings his experience and power.
Zambia’s Olympic 400m bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga, South Africa’s world relay bronze medallist Zakithi Nene, and the USA’s world indoor silver medallist Brian Faust are just a few of the international stars adding even more shine to the event.
With such a packed roster, the Kip Keino Classic promises an evening of unforgettable performances and fierce competition. From seasoned champions to rising stars, every athlete brings their own story, ambition, and passion to the track.
As the sun sets over Nairobi, the place of cool waters, on this Friday, the 24th of April, fans from around the world will witness not just a showcase of speed, strength, and skill, but also a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the unifying spirit of sport. Whether records fall or new heroes emerge, one thing is certain: the Kip Keino Classic will leave a lasting mark on all who take part—reminding us why athletics continues to inspire, connect, and thrill with every stride.