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Kip Keino Classic: Odira storms to 800m victory, qualifies for World Championships
Lilian Odira celebrates after she won the Absa Kip Keino Classic women’s 800m race at Ulinzi Sports Complex on May 31, 2205.
Africa 800m silver medallist Lilian Odira is the new Absa Kip Keino Classic women’s 800m champion after a strong finish in the final stretch at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Odira, who skipped the 1,500m race last year, surged to the front at the final bend to hold off Botswana’s Oratile Nowe, winning in a personal best time of 1:58.31.
“It is a great day for me to not only win my maiden Kip Keino Classic but also qualify for the Tokyo World Championships,” said the 26-year-old national 800m champion. “This gives me a good feeling and something to work for onwards.”
Nowe, winner of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, came in second in a personal best and new national record of 1:58.47.
Africa and world under-20 champion Sarah Moraa produced a powerful finish to claim third in a career-best 1:58.96. All three athletes dipped under the World Championships qualifying standard of 1:59.00.
“This is my first time qualifying for the World Championships,” said an elated Moraa. “I tried hard last year to qualify for the Paris Olympics, but it was not possible. It's such a great day. I will focus on my speed and endurance to make the team at the trials.”
In the men’s 1,500m, 2020 Tokyo Olympic finalist Abel Kipsang reclaimed the title he last won in 2022 at Kasarani, clocking 3:35.09.
Mathew Kipchumba followed in a personal best of 3:35.87, while 2021 World Under-20 champion Vincent Keter settled for third in 3:37.59.
In the women’s 3,000m, Ethiopians dominated the field, with 18-year-old Esefa Wosane racing to a personal best of 9:30.68. She was followed by compatriots Kena Tufa (9:31.72) and Firehiwot Gesese (9:32.09), who completed an Ethiopian podium sweep.