Kip Keino Classic: Yego, Kiprotich face tough test at Kasarani

Former world javelin champion Julius Yego will, on Saturday 7 May, compete in front of a home crowd for the first time in years as he takes on a stellar field at the Kip Keino Classic. 

The Commonwealth Games former champion will be joined on the field by compatriot 2016 African Championship bronze medalist Alexander Kiprotich as the duo look to impress on home soil for the World Athletics Continental Tour gold meeting title. 

Yego, who only competed twice in 2021 during the Olympics trials and at the Summer Games in Tokyo says he is in a better place than he has been in the last two years. 

Ahead of his debut in the Classic, as he missed the 2020 and 2021 editions due to injury, the 2016 Olympics silver medalist 76.57 m throw at the national championship held last week at Kasarani Stadium. 

"This is the first time I am competing on home soil against an international field and it feels good to know that i will have the support from the stands. While it will be special to give the home fans a good show, I am under no pressure,"

"The target at the Classic is to fight for the World Championships qualifying standards and it will be amazing if I could achieve that on home soil. If it does not happen, I still have more time to qualify. The target this season is to be in Oregon and have a great competition as I look to win another world title," said Yego in an interview with Mozzart Sport. 

The 33-year-old has his work cut out in his quest to qualify for the World Championships set for Oregon on 15 to 24 July with the qualifying mark set at 85m a distance he has not achieved in the last two years. 

During the Tokyo Olympics, Yego managed a season best throw of 77.34 before picking an injury that has put him out of competition until last month when he took part in the National Police Service (NPS) championship. 

"Comparing my performance at the police championship and the AK national event, there is definitely an improvement.  I have struggled with tactical rhythm since picking my injury at the Olympics and even before that. My speed has been affected by the long layoff too but I feel like my body is finally responding well and if I get it right on Saturday, we will be in for something special," added Yego. 

Alexander Kiprotich

On his part, Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) Kiprotich has also set the target of chasing the qualifying mark for the World Championships which will be a big leap from his PB. 

"I managed 75.10 m at the national championship and that would mean improving with close to 10m to hit the mark for Oregon which is no mean feat. I believe I have it within me and the international field will be a good push for that," said Kiprotich. 

Kiprotich banking on European competitions to better his throw

The 27-year old won the inaugural event held at Nyayo Stadium but could only manage a fifth-place finish with a 75.78 last year in an event won by Belarus' Aliaksei Katkavets in 82.65.