Wiseman Were at the Ulinzi Sports Complex/ HANDOUTWiseman Were and Mercy Oketch delivered masterclasses at Saturday claiming victories in the 400m hurdles and 400m respectively during the Absa Kip Keino Classic at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The national champion clocked 48.36 seconds—comfortably inside the 48.50 qualifying mark for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo — securing his ticket to the global showpiece for the first time.
The 2022 African Championships bronze medallist held off a strong challenge from Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang, who settled for second in 48.59, while Kenya’s Kipkorir Rotich claimed third in 49.17.
Despite his victory, Were noted he was eyeing a sub 47 second race.
"I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete though I did not achieve that I'm happy with the victory."
He hopes to feature in the Diamond League circuit to sharpen his form. "I will now sharpen on the hurdle clearance I prepare for the Diamond League," Were said.
Tisang is hoping to come back to Kenya for a rematch with Were.
"The weather is good, superb, I enjoyed, I ran a good race.
The altitude is high, and I want to come back next time for this guy (Wiseman Were) so we can run a fast time. A 47 is possible.
I have a small injury, but I believe I can come and run a fast time. Meanwhile Kipkorir was pleased to have lowered his personal best.
"It was an exciting because I have posted my personal best time. Congratulations to Wiseman on his win and I'm looking forward to the season ahead."
Saturday’s triumph was a near carbon copy of Were’s performance at last year’s Kip Keino Classic, where he clocked 48.57 to secure his maiden Olympic berth for the Paris 2024 Games.
Meanwhile, Oketch shattered the national record clocking 50.14 seconds — well under the 50.75 Tokyo mark.
She led Uganda's Shida Leni (50.93) and Mercy Chebet (51.52). Oketch was glad to have shattered the previous national mark of 50.38 set by Mary Moraa in 2023.
"I feel happy with the time I have clocked, I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships," Oketch said.
She credited tbe crowd for her performance, stating, "The crowed made feel more energized."
Uganda's Leni is eyeing races in Europe to secure her qualification for Tokyo.
"The competition was nice because running that time was my plan. I have more races after this in Europe, and maybe there, I can qualify for the World Championships," Leni said.
