Considered one of the best track and field meets in the world, the 2021 Nike Prefontaine Classic takes place in Eugene, USA this Friday and Saturday at Hawyard Field.
The meet will be both a post-Olympic showcase of the world’s top track and field talent and also a teaser for the 2022 World Athletics Championships.
22 medalists from the Tokyo Olympics are expected to grace the event amongst them is Olympics gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, Winnie Chebet, Edinah Chebet for the 1500m. In steeplechase, Kenya will be represented by Rosefline Chepngetich while the Men’s 800m will have Ferguson Rotich, Emmanuel Kipkirui and Festus Lagat.
In the 5000m-ADDL Event, Sheila Chelangat and Beatrice Chebet will run for team Kenya.
Hellen Obiri and Caroline Chepkoech are also expected to run under the 2-Mile-ADDL Event.
USA’s fastest sportswoman, Sha’Carri Richardson, will also make a comeback in Eugene. This comes after she served a one-month ban which caused her to miss the Tokyo Olympics.
Richardson had tested positive for marijuana leading to her suspension.
The Prefontaine Classic is now part of the international and distinguished Wanda Diamond League. It was founded in 2010 and includes fourteen elite track and field invitationals that take place around the world annually from Paris to Doha to Shanghai to Eugene.
Also, in 2023, the PreClassic at Hayward Field will serve as the Diamond League Final, which will be held in the USA for the first time.
Kenya’s Legend Eliud Kipochoge, who ran in the men’s two miles in the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday, June 4, is expected to grace the meet at Hawyard.
Kipchoge, who won the race clocking 8:07:68, attributed his great performance to the rhythm clapping of the more than 10,000 fans.
“I appreciate the crowd, I wouldn't have run this time if it weren’t for them. And it’s a feeling that I cannot describe,” stated Kipchoge.