Ferdinand Omanyala's African record under threat as Letsile Tebogo confirmed for Kip Keino Classic

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ATHLETICS Ferdinand Omanyala's African record under threat as Letsile Tebogo confirmed for Kip Keino Classic

Festus Chuma 20:23 - 28.03.2024

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo will be aiming to break Omanyala's 100m African record at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.

Botswana sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo is confirmed to dazzle the crowds at the fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, set to take place on Saturday, April 20, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. 

The 19-year-old prodigy arrives in Nairobi fresh off a scintillating performance at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix (WACT Challenger), where he posted a world-leading time of 19.94 (-1.2) in the 200m, leaving seasoned athletes like South Africa’s Akani Simbine in his wake.

Tebogo, a double World medalist, has been on a record-breaking spree, having clocked a personal best of 44.29 in 400m in Pretoria just over a week ago. 

Moreover, he shattered the 300m world record in February, clocking an astonishing 30.69 at the Simbine Curro Classic.

His participation in the highly anticipated men's 200m event at the Kip Keino Classic has been heralded by the organizers on Thursday night.

 "Letsile Tebogo is here for #AbsaKipkeinoClassic2024. Brace yourselves as he pushes his body to the absolute limit, showcasing incredible talent and unwavering determination. This is a must-watch clash of athletic brilliance you won't want to miss," the statement reads.

The young athlete's ambitions don not stop there as he has his sights set on breaking the African record in the 100m, currently held by Ferdinand Omanyala with a time of 9.77. 

Achieving this would mean surpassing his lifetime best of 9.88, which he ran at last year's World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. 

Tebogo's arrival in Nairobi is particularly significant given the absence of many star-studded athletes due to scheduling conflicts with the 2024 Diamond League Meeting beginning on the same date in Xiamen, China. 

Notable absences include last year’s 200m champion Sha’Carri Richardson and double world record holder Faith Kipyegon, both of whom have opted to participate in the Diamond League opener instead.

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