The 2004 Olympic Champion and 3 time World Champion Justin Gatlin arrived in the country early morning today in preparation for the 2nd edition of the Kip Keino Classic slated for 18th September. "I have been to South Africa twice and Morocco twice two but this is my first time in Kenya. I wanted to experience the real Africa and that is why I am here in the motherland," said Gatlin. The American also said he has travelled around the world for 20 years but coming to Kenya is special.
"I know we have a great following in Africa and coming to run in front of people who don't get to see us quite often is pretty satisfying," he added, accompanied by his coach Dennis Mitchell.
Gatlin singled out 2015 World javelin champion Julius Yego and latest sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala as his local athletics idols. Gatlin, the 2017 World 100m champion, noted that the performances by Yego in winning gold at 2015 World Championships before going on to claim silver at Rio Olympics with Omanyala running 9.86 seconds in 100m recently shows that it's not just about distance running.
The American said the nagging hamstring injury that had sapped into his power has healed and Kenyans should expect a good race. "I am 85 to 90 percent ok now. I lost much power owing to the injury but my coach has provided some programs that are helping me get better and stronger. I hope to run something good here," said Gatlin, who won gold in 100m at 2004 Athens Olympics before settling for bronze at 2012 London and silver at 2016 Rio Olympics. Other stars on the roster include Namibian teenager and Olympic and Diamond League 200m champion Christine Mboma, her country mate Beatrice Masilingi and World 100m bronze medallist Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou.
Kerley from the United States will take on Commonwealth Games 400m champion Isaac Makwala from Botswana, Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco and the Nairobi World Under-20 200m bronze medallist Sinesipho Dambile from South Africa in men's 200m.