Kerley eyeing fast times at Kip Keino Classic

Olympic 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley of USA is eyeing fast times at the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold meeting set for this Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Kerley who arrived in the country earlier Wednesday will renew rivalry with Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy in what will be a rematch of last year’s Olympic Games.

The American is making a return to Kenya barely eighth months after competing at the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic where he set a new personal best of 19.76.

“It is wonderful to be back where I ended my season last year. It is also the place where I set my PB,” said Kerley.

The men’s 100m dash is set to the highlight the one-day meet with the national and African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala also in the mix.

Kerley also showered praise on Omanyala who ran an African record of 9.77 seconds in last year’s event.

“He ran a very good time last year where he notched 9.77 and so I expect him to ran fast also on Saturday,” Kerley said.

For the first time in three years, Kasarani Stadium will open its doors to the fans after Kenyan government relaxed Covid-19 measures.

"Having a crowd at the stadium is also a big deal and joy for the fans. Kasarani is a good stadium and I really enjoyed competing there last year," he said.

With the World Athletics Championships set to be held for the first time at the United States of America this summer, Kerley has set his sights on major titles.

"It means alot to us as Americans to have the World Championships on home soil. I hope to upgrade to a gold medal," said Kerley who has a bronze and silver medal at the World Championships.