Olympic 100m silver medalist Fred Kerley says he expects to adapt quickly to the Nairobi weather and storm across the finish line in the men's 200m at Saturday's Kip Keino Classic.
Kerley arrived on Thursday for the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in what is his first trip to Africa.
"This is my first time to be here in the motherland. Actually, it is going to be easy to compete at such a high altitude because I am used to training at the same level back at my training base in the United States. My aim will be to finish my season strongly," Kerley said.
The 26-year old, however, believes other competitors will similarly want to finish the year on a high hence is alive to the fact that the race will be heated.
"With the startlist, I expect the field to be competitive as always and so I will have to be at my best. I am happy to come and complete my season in Kenya and am waiting for the blessings that come with it," the world 400m bronze medalist said.
Kerley scored a first in the Diamond League series after winning the trophy in 100m, 200m and 400m.
"It is my competitive mindset that has enabled me to do it. No other person has been able to do it so I am happy to have set such a record," Kerley said.
The American will be at the starting blocks against seven other competitors, including Commonwealth 400m champion Isaac Makwala of Botswana.
Makwala, who also arrived on Thursday, was ecstatic about visiting Kenya for the fourth time and exuded confidence it will be a highly rewarding one.
"It feels great to be here in Kenya once again and especially in Africa since I've been away since May, training for the Tokyo Olympics. I am just here to run fast as I prepare for the World Championships in Oregon by meeting the qualifying time," the 4x400m relay Olympic bronze medalist said.
"I believe it is possible to reach the qualifying time in Nairobi. I saw the junior athletes competing at the World Under 20 Championship and they recorded some really fast times."
The 2015 African champion also plans to hang up his spikes after next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England and wants to exit on a high.
"That is the objective; to defend my Commonwealth title and after that, call it a day. For the young runners who are coming through, you need to be disciplined and determined in everything you do to achieve the longevity as I have," he said.
