"No Covid-19 excuse!" - 'Hungry' Fraser-Price rallies fans to Kasarani

Kip Keino Classic: "No Covid-19 excuse!" - 'Hungry' Fraser-Price rallies fans to Kasarani

James Magayi • 07:30 - 10.05.2023

Jamaican sprinter will open her season in the Kenyan capital ahead of World Championship title defense.

Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price declared her hunger to run faster upon touching down in Nairobi for the Kip Keino Classic penciled for Saturday.

Thirty-six-year-old Fraser-Price said she felt like a 21-year-old and wishes to run faster. The Jamaican world champion will start her 2023 season in the Kenyan capital with her season’s goal to defend her world title when the track and field fraternity converges in Budapest for the World Championships later in the year.

She challenged athletics fans in Kenya to fill Kasarani on Saturday to give Kip Keino Classic the atmosphere it so deserves. “It feels great to be back in Nairobi. I have enjoyed my previous visits and hopefully we’ll have more fans this time because there is no Covid-19,” said Fraser-Price

Pressed on her fitness level the Jamaican said she is in good shape but needs competition sharpness. “This is going to be my first competition this year. Unlike last year when I came to Nairobi having run a 200m in Kingston, this time I am opening my season here.

 “No two years are same. The only difference is level of focus and for me is to pick it up from where I left last year and doing even better. The key to doing well in all competitions is not under estimating your opponents because when they line up in such events it means they are ready and qualified to compete so anyone can win,” the Jamaican opined

Also jetting in for the 4th edition of Kip Keino Classic alongside Fraser-Price was last years winner of the Hammer Throw Anita Wlodarczyk. 

The 37-year-old from Poland is considered the greatest ever Hammer thrower and holds the world record of 82.98m. She won the Kip Keino Classic last year and is ready to defend her title despite having not competed for five months.

 “I’m happy to be back for Kip keino Classic. I feel great and ready to defend my title even though I have been out of competition for long. Injury kept me out for five months but I’m back now and ready to give my best,” she said 

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