- Wiseman Were delivered a masterclass in the 400m hurdles on Saturday, storming to victory at the Absa Kip Keino Classic at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The national champion clocked 48.36 seconds—comfortably inside the 48.50 qualifying mark for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo — securing his ticket to the global showpiece for the first time.
The 2022 African Championships bronze medallist held off a strong challenge from Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang, who settled for second in 48.59, while Kenya’s Kipkorir Rotich claimed third in 49.17.
Despite his victory, Were noted he was eyeing a sub 47 second race.
“I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete though I did not achieve that I am happy with the victory.”
He hopes to feature in the Diamond League circuit to sharpen his form.
“I will now sharpen on the hurdle clearance I prepare for the Diamond League,” Were said.
Tisang is hoping to come back to Kenya for a rematch with Were.
“The weather is good, superb, I enjoyed, I ran a good race. The altitude is high, and I want to come back next time for this guy (Wiseman Were) so we can run a fast time. A 47 is possible. I have a small injury, but I believe I can come and run a fast time.
Meanwhile Kipkorir was pleased to have lowered his personal best.
“It was an exciting because I have posted my personal best time. Congratulations to Wiseman on his win and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
Saturday’s triumph was a near carbon copy of Were’s performance at last year’s Kip Keino Classic, where he clocked 48.57 to secure his maiden Olympic berth for the Paris 2024 Games.
However,on the other side Mercy Oketch smashed national 400m record, booking World Championship slot.
Oketch, the 2024 Africa Military Games 400m silver medallist, delivered a sensational performance at the Absa Kip Keino Classic, breaking the national 400m record and booking her place at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Oketch stormed to victory in a blistering 50.14 seconds, eclipsing the previous national record held by her mentor, Mary Moraa. The time also marked a new personal best for the rising star.
“I feel happy with the time I have clocked,” said Oketch. “I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships. The crowd made me feel more energized.”
Uganda’s Leni Shida finished second in 50.39 seconds — also a personal best — while Kenya’s Mercy Chebt placed third in 51.52 seconds, setting her own lifetime best as well.
“The competition was nice because running that time was my plan,” said Shida. “I have more races after this in Europe, and maybe there, I can qualify for the World Championships.”
The electric atmosphere at Ulinzi Sports Complex provided the perfect stage for the record-breaking performances, as the top six finishers clocked personal and season bests in one of the meet’s standout races.
