American sprinter Gabby Thomas/ HANDOUTThe seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic, set to light up the Nyayo National Stadium on April 24, has landed a major global boost with Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas confirming her debut on Kenyan soil for the high-octane showpiece.
Thomas confirmed her participation via her X page, outlining an African sprint tour that signals serious intent early in the season.
"April 18, Addis Ababa Grand Prix, Ethiopia, April 24, Kip Keino Classic, Kenya. April 26 Botswana Golden Grand Prix. See you there," she posted. The 29-year-old has already burst out of the blocks in 2026, storming to a commanding win at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on April 4, where she clocked 11.00 to lay down an early marker.
She arrives in Kenya re-energised after an injury-hit 2025 campaign, which saw her sidelined for much of the season, including the Tokyo World Championships, due to a persistent Achilles issue.
The American star steps onto Kenyan soil boasting a glittering resume, highlighted by her Olympic 200m gold in Paris, where she also doubled up with relay gold medals in both the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m. She is also the 2023 World Championships 200m silver medallist and a relay gold winner with Team USA in Budapest, adding further pedigree with double gold at the 2024 World Relays.
Her inclusion adds fresh firepower to an already stacked lineup unveiled during the event’s official launch on April 2.
Canadian hammer throw giants Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rodgers were earlier confirmed to headline the field events, bringing world and Olympic pedigree into the mix. The sprint ranks are equally loaded, featuring world 200m bronze medallist Bryan Levell, South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile, American Kyree King and Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie.
In the one-lap arena, Olympic 400m bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga and seasoned American hurdler Delilah Muhammad add further global class to the meet.
On the home front, the charge will be led by Kenya’s golden boy Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala.
They will be backed by a formidable contingent that includes world 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Edmund Serem alongside Abraham Kibiwott and Amos Serem.
In the distance ranks, 2023 World Cross Country U20 champion Ishmael Rokitto leads the 5,000m charge, teaming up with Cornelius Kemboi and Denis Kipkemoi in a fierce duel against Ethiopian duo Abdisa Fayisa and Fasika Ayele.
