Olympic 100m silver medalist Fred Kerley believes Africa is ripe to host more athletics championships in the coming years.
Kerley said Kenya's ability to host two editions of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold — otherwise known as Kip Keino Classic — had shown that the continent is more than capable of staging world-class events.
"It felt wonderful to compete on African soil for the first time and to connect with the culture in which my ancestors grew up. I feel like there should be more athletics meets and events in Africa and I look forward to coming back to the continent for more of such events," Kerley said.
The world 400m bronze medalist said he had been humbled by his first visit to Kenya and the chance to reconnect with his African roots.
"To come and connect with my cultural roots was simply amazing and a blessing. We are used to seeing what white America portrays on TV and to come here and experience this is a welcome break. If there had been more fans in the stadium, I think it would have been a louder and more exciting atmosphere. I hope this is the case next time I come," he said.
Kerley was one of the standout performers at the Kip Keino Classic, clocking a personal best of 19.76 to win the men's 200m at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Botswana's Isaac Makwala came second in 20.06 whereas Italian Filippo Tortu clocked 20.11 in third.
Kerley, however, downplayed the significance of his star performance.
"Nothing comes easy even if it seemed an easy race. You have to work hard. The high altitude wasn't a problem because I compete in more or less the same conditions back home. Everyone else was also running in the same high altitude," he said.
The 4x400m relay world champion added: "It is great to see how Africa is coming up in the sprints. I can't complain. The way things are going... anything can happen in sprints, including an African breaking the world record."
Echoing Kerley's sentiments, Olympic 200m silver medalist Christine Mboma said she is looking forward to more competitions in Nairobi, which she believes is becoming her lucky charm.
"I am more than willing to come and compete anytime I am invited. I have loved it here and am happy that I have won on the two occasions I have been in Nairobi," Mboma said.
The Namibian timed 22.39 to win the women's 200m at Kip Keino Classic, ahead of fellow Olympian, Marie Josee Ta Lou of Cote'd Ivoire (22.98) and Aminatou Seyrie of Niger (23.33) in second and third.
Her win at Moi Stadium, Kasarani came almost a month after she clinched the women's 200m title during the World Under 20 Championship at the same venue.
