Kip Keino Classic part of Botswana sprinter Makwala’s farewell party as he retires from athletics
Commonwealth 400m champion Isaac Makwala says the defence of his one-lap race gold at the 2022 Games in Birmingham will be his farewell from athletics. Makwala on his fourth return to Kenya, said signing out on the high at the Kip Keino Classic today at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani is his main priority.
“I will be almost 36 by the time the USA and England host the next World Championships and Commonwealth Games at Eugene, Oregon and Birmingham, in July 2022. After the two events I have pencilled in to bring down the curtain on my illustrious career,” said Makwala.
The Botswana sprinter said he has fond memories of the last year’s World Athletics Continental Tour event in Nairobi after finishing second in the men’s 200m race. Makwala timed 20.06 behind American 100m Olympic silver medalist Fred Kerley who clocked a personal best of 19.76 as Italian Fillipo Tortu timed 20.11 in third.
The Americans will be racing in the 100m on Saturday. “It will be a pleasure to run in Kenya once again,” said the Olympic 4x400m relay bronze medalist.
Makwala will be defending his Commonwealth crown in July in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and is further expected to fight for the world title in Oregon in the same month.
Makwala, who also led his nation to a 4x400m relay gold at the Gold Coast, said that a great performance in East Africa will be the right result he requires before heading for these major championships.
