American sprinter Justin Gatlin elated ahead of Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour
American sprinter Justin Gatlin is elated ahead of tomorrow’s Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour, to be staged at the Kasarani stadium.
In an interview with a pack of journalists, Gatlin promised his fans and Kenyans at large, he will put up a memorable show in his final race of the season.
"It is such a delight to know that I have so many fans here in Kenya. Tomorrow, I want to put in a good show for them in my final race of the season," Gatlin said.
The legendary sprinter arrived in Nairobi for Saturday’s Classic Continental Tour and will compete against home favourite Ferdinand Omanyala.
Gatlin has won two world 100 m titles in 2005 and 2017, before settling for silver over the race at the 2019 World Championships.
Gatlin is mostly remembered for his heroics in the 100 m Olympic in Athens, settled for silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, before missing out at the just concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The 36-year-old is expected to light up the Kasarani Stadium in the 100M alongside Omanyala and world leader in the tour Trayvon Bromell also of the USA.
On the flip side, Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala will be eager to showcase his speed tomorrow, with his main goal being of breaking a record at the Kasarani stadium.
"I am ready for tomorrow. I have had a very good exposure this season, having competed at the Olympics and Diamond League. I am hoping all goes well tomorrow and that I can break a record at Kasarani," Omanyala said.
Omanyala has been in awe-inspiring form this year, having qualified for the semi-final stage at the Tokyo Olympics and later becoming the first Kenyan to run 100 m in under-10 seconds when he set a new national record of 9.86 seconds last month.
The 25-year-old however will test his speed when he meets the legendary Gatlin and Trayvon Bromell who has a world leading time of 9.77 seconds and will join the star-studded line up in the event that will be held at the Kasarani Stadium tomorrow.
Earlier today, telecommunications giant Safaricom announced a Ksh4.5 million sponsorship for the second edition of the tour.
The funds will cater for a fully kitted media centre and high-speed internet connection to all the functional areas at the event, which is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.
