Two-time world javelin champion Anderson Peters of Grenada arrived in Kenya early Monday morning ahead of the 6th edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic, set to take place this Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Peters, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, returns to the prestigious gold-level continental tour event after making his debut last year, where he finished second with an 85.72m throw at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The 26-year-old began his 2025 season in March with a win at the Grenada Championships, throwing 74.90m. He has since shown solid form on the international circuit, finishing third at the Doha Diamond League on May 16 with a throw of 85.64m, and placing third again last week at the Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Poland with 83.24m.
Speaking on arrival, Peters expressed enthusiasm about returning to compete in Kenya. “Last year’s meet had great conditions, especially the wind in the stadium. The crowd, the atmosphere, it was something I had never experienced before. I’m eager to see how this new venue compares,” he said.
Peters also shared his admiration for Kenyan javelin legend Julius Yego, who made history as the first African and non-European to win a World Championship title. “Competing here is always special. Yego was a huge inspiration for me growing up. Being back in Kenya feels like coming full circle,” he noted.
This year’s Kip Keino Classic marks the event’s debut at the Ulinzi Sports Complex and has drawn a field of 189 international and 59 local athletes. It will be the sixth stop on the World Athletics gold-level tour, following meets in Australia, Botswana, Japan, Croatia, and Poland.
As one of the key competitions in the athletics calendar, the Kip Keino Classic continues to grow in stature, with Peters’ return adding star power to what promises to be an electric event.
Written By Rodney Mbua
