Yego ready for herculean task at Kip Keino Classic

Yego, 36, returns home aiming to reignite his spark on the Continental Tour Gold stage after placing ninth in his season opener at the Doha Diamond League, where he hurled a season best of 78.52metres.

“My training has been solid. I’m hopeful for the best this Saturday. I’m spirited and confident that my regimen will pay off,” said the 2015 world champion.

Yego will go head-to-head with Germany’s 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Röhler and Grenadian powerhouse Anderson Peters in a clash that promises fireworks.

Röhler recently threw 80.37m in the Czech Republic, while Peters arrived in Nairobi fresh from a season-best 85.64m in Doha.

“Doha gave me clarity on what I need to fine-tune. Now, it’s about delivering for the Kenyan fans and soaking in the Kip Keino atmosphere,” he added.

The Kip Keino Classic could also mark a fitting home farewell for Yego, Kenya’s javelin trailblazer who smashed barriers in a field Kenyans are not dominating.

Peters, 27, did not hide his admiration for the man who inspired his journey.

“Competing against Julius is always special. I grew up watching him.  He lit the way for guys like me,” Peters said after landing in Nairobi on Monday.

Latvia’s Cakss Gatis won the 2024 edition after throwing 81.74m at Nyayo Stadium with Röhler placing second (80.62m), while Yego 72.25m finished a distant ninth.

Yego had fared better in 2023, finishing fifth with 77.24m in a meet won by Belgium’s Timothy Herman, who threw a meet record 87m.

This year’s Kip Keino Classic possibly the final edition could be Yego’s last dance on home soil but the veteran is not talking about retirement just yet.

“This is home. The fans deserve a show. I’m ready for the challenge.”