Kip Keino Classic: Wiseman Were bags a hat-trick in 400m hurdles, qualifies for Paris Olympics

African Men’s 400m hurdles bronze medalist Wiseman Were clocked 48.57seconds to qualify to the 2024 Paris Olympic after storming to victory with a new Meeting Record during the fifth edition Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour-Gold held Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Kipkorir Rotich, the 2023 silver medalist, clocked 50.39 seconds while Ngunjiri Edward settled for bronze in 50.84 seconds.

Were attributed his dominance to good build-up gained from good preparations.

“I am happy to have qualified for the Olympics. I had prepared well and it is going to help my preparations for the World Relay Championships,” he told journalist at the Mixed Zone in a post-race interview.

The Commonwealth Games 4x400m relay bronze medalist is part of Kenya’s team selected to fly the country’s flag during the World Athletics Relay slated for 4th &5th May in Nassau Bahammas.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s 10,000m, Edwin Kipkemoi Seko clocked 28:30.43 to destroy a competitive field full of countrymen. Lagat Amos Kipkirui timed 28:30.91 and Kiplagat Kelvin clocked 28:32.40 settling for silver and bronze medals respectively.

Seko underscored that the cheering triggered his adrenaline hence pushing to cross the line first.

"The race was tactical but I managed to endure the strong opposition. I was motivated by the cheering by fans, "he said.

In the women’s 400m, Mercy chebet clocked 51.71 to bag silver and set a personal best. She says the performance has motivated her ahead of the World Relay championship.Bahrain’s Adekoya Kemi won the race in 51.63.