Fraser-Pryce sprints to victory at Kasarani
Women in Sports
By
Dennis Okeyo
| May 07, 2022
Three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce brought a crowd to their standstill with a thunderous performance at the Kip Keino Classic inside Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.
The Jamaican clocked a world lead of 10.67 to win the women's 100m , Egyptian Bassant Hemida finished second in a personal best of 11.02 as American Shannon Ray, closed the podium in 11.33.
Fraser-Pryse received wild cheers from fans, saying the win was for the Kenyans crowd for being her loyal fans over the years.
"It is good to win this race because, basically, the Kenyan fans have been asking for me to come and run here. The way they were cheering wildly for me really motivated me to run a good race," said Fraser-Pryce.
Turning to her world lead in what is her first 100m race this year, Fraser-Pryce described it as a sign of good things to come for the long season that includes World Championships in Oregon in July.
"This is obviously a great sign that there are better days ahead of me this season. It is very encouraging and I am looking forward to doing even better and running a fantastic race every time I step on the track. I am not worried about being on my top form early in the season before the World Championships in Oregon," she Fraser-Pryse, who immediately met Kenyan President Uhuru Kenya at the VIP area alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
But it was a bad evening for Christine Mboma as she suffered an injury just after 40metres of the race that saw her miss the women’s 200m final that she was scheduled to compete in.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Abraham Kibiwott was in a class of his own as he dominated the water and barrier event at the Kip Keino Classic at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.
The Mosoriot-based Kibiwott, clocked 8:21.92 seconds to win the race ahead of the Ethiopian Samuel Bariso who returned 8:27.40 in second slot.
Olympic 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen of Kenya came third in 8:30.28.
“Since graduating from the National Police Service, I have had an uninterrupted training season. That's why I’m not surprised with today’s performance. I am happy for the win,” said Kibiwott who is also the reigning Africa Champion.
“After this victory I will be heading for the Doha Diamond League on May 13 and the Africa Senior Championships on June 8-12 in Mauritius this year, it’s a busy season.
South African Prudence Sekgodiso, the 2018 Africa Youth 800m bronze medallist, dominated the women’s 800m event, clocking a championship record time of 1:58.41.
Mary Moraa, the national 800m champion, settled second in season’s best 1:59.87. Naomi Korir came third in 2:00.06.
World Indoor 1,500m bronze medallist Abel Kipsang of Kenya majestically controlled the men’s 1500m event in a world leading time of 3:31.01 seconds.
Reynold Kipkorir and 2016 World Under-20 champion 1,500m Kumari Taki to second and third places timing 3:35.50 and 3:36.73 respectively.
“I really wanted to run sub 3 minute and 29 seconds, that's why I went straight to the lead after the gun. The crowd was exciting and it gave a good atmosphere, it was an amazing race,” said Kipsang, adding that he is looking forward to a good show at the Doha Diamond League on May 13.
“I’m hopeful that I will also make the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games where I really need to bag the gold medals."
Canadian Aaron Brown won the men's 200m in 20.05, beating Kyree King from United States to second place in 20.18 while Isaac Makwala of Botswana timed 20.31 third slot.
Kenya’s hopeful Dan Kiviasi faded to 20.89 for sixth place.