Kip Keino Classic round-dup: Omanyala, Wanyonyi and Gabby Thomas unbowed
By Joel Masibo, April 25, 2026The 2026 Kip Keino Classic delivered a masterpiece as the world’s top athletes faced off, producing electrifying performances and setting new records under the lights of the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Omanyala reigns supreme
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala secured his second sub-10 performance of 2026, clocking a season-best 9.96 to power to victory in the men’s 100m at the continental tour.
South Africa’s Rivaldo Roberts chased him home in 10.12, while Canada’s Aaron Brown completed the podium in 10.15, as Omanyala lit up the Nyayo track with a trademark explosive finish. The performance marked Omanyala’s second sub-10 outing of the 2026 campaign. At the Addis Ababa meet, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion dipped under the barrier in 9.98, his first sub-10 clocking in over two years. He had earlier opened his season on April 10 at the Cape Miller Continental Tour in South Africa, easing to victory in 10.19.
Wanyonyi claims 1,500m
Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi extended his dominance in the men’s middle distance, surging to a commanding 1,500m victory.
Wanyonyi stopped the clock in a personal best of 3:34.11, unleashing a devastating finishing kick to outgun world bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, who clocked 3:34.73, while Daniel Munguti completed the podium in 3:36.21.
Friday’s statement victory served as a crucial launchpad for Wanyonyi as he builds momentum heading into the 2026 international calendar.
The triumph also marked his fourth win at the Kip Keino Classic, having previously dominated the 800m in 2022 (1:45.01), 2023 (1:43.32) and 2024 (1:43.57), further cementing his affinity with the Nairobi showpiece.
Gabriel Thomas rules
Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas lit up the track with a blistering world-leading 21.89 in her debut on Kenyan soil at the event.
Thomas powered down the home straight with trademark fluency, fending off compatriot Cambrea Sturgis, who clocked a sharp personal best of 21.94 in second.
Kenya’s Millicent Ndoro completed the podium in third, dipping to a personal best of 23.21.
The American star was full of praise for the electric atmosphere inside Nyayo National Stadium, where fans roared her down the straight.
“It was great. Honestly, it’s really a nice place where you can compete. I am happy with my times,” Thomas said.
Having already struck gold in the 100m earlier in the meet, Thomas revelled in completing a dominant sprint double.
“It’s incredible for me to win both the 100m and 200m. You cannot control the conditions so in sport,” she added.
With the season gathering pace, the Olympic champion made her intentions clear. “The goal is to keep winning. Focus on winning and the times will come.”
Meanwhile, the Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has hailed the success of the 2026 Kip Keino Classic, terming a testimony of Kenya’s readiness to stage major global sporting events.