Kip Keino Classic: Cakss Gatis rules the roost at Nyayo, Yego comes out last

Latvia’s Cakks Gatis wowed his fans with a haul of 81.74m to power his way to victory in the men’s javelin during the fifth edition of Kip Keino Classic meet held Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The 2014 World Junior champion stunned the pre-event favourite and the 2016 Olympic Champion Thomas Rohler from Germany who hauled 80.62m to bag silver medal.

Herman Timothy, who shattered Kip Keino Classic record during the fourth edition, managed the third position with a throw of 79.94m.

Gatis, who featured for the first in the African soil, expressed his contentment noting that he was fired up for a great season.

“It's one of the best season opener for me. The competition was tough but friendly. I'm really happy to be in Kenya. It's my first time in Africa. I'm overwhelmed and happy to be here.”

On the other hand Yego settled for the ninth position with a throw of 72.25m.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s Triple Jump, Kirwa Isaac Yego, the 2018 national champion scaled 15.95m to win the men's Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour triple jump contest. Kirwa beat Kipkemoi Gilbert in 15.59m as Mwema Philip managed 15.47m for third.

Kirwa talked of his plans of competing in the global stage as he fires his ambitions to setting a new national record.

“My major target is to break the national record set by Jacob Katonon because it has stood for many years. My sight is now set to meeting Olympic qualifying standards,” said Kirwa.

In the Men’s shot put, Peter Mwangi (Prisons) hauled 15.50m to win beating the 2019 national champion Benson Wachira who managed 15.34m. Bett Leonard settled third with 14.99m.

Mwangi, the 2018 and 2022 shot put champion expressed his joy terming the win as a miracle following an operation he underwent early this year.

“I had an operation three months ago to remove my appendix, I did not expect a victory today I was coming to test my body and training. Managing to throw above 15m is more a miracle considering I have to twist my body a lot.”