The reigning African Games men’s 400m champion Chidi Anthony Okezie has jetted into the country ahead of the 6th edition of Kip Keino Classic set for Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday May 31st.
Coming from Nigeria, Chidi is optimistic that he will be running very fast, faster than lightning to secure victory where he will be facing off with World Indoor 4x400m relay champion Brian Faust of USA, among others.
“Expect a very fast race, a very competitive outing, I’m putting everything on the line for this. I fear nobody. The clock is my biggest competitor. I don’t focus on anyone else. Whenever I’m on track, I’m the best athlete on that field. The contest is always me and the time,” he reiterated.
Even though it’s his first time in Kenya, Okezie, who was born and raised in the USA by a Jamaican mother and a Nigerian father, says it’s always a blessing to compete in Africa.
“Being a Nigerian who lives in the USA, to compete in Africa is always special, like my last race was at the FNB Botswana Grand Prix. It was very special to me.
So far, Okezie is happy with the way the new season is unfolding for him. He has done two races, opening the year on 44.01and clocking 45.15 for a fourth place finish at the FNB Botswana Grand Prix.
“I have just started up, the season is going pretty well. I expect to improve those times during the weekend meet in Nairobi,” he underlined.
The lanky speed ace definitely has plans to holiday in Kenya but he insists the job must be done first!
“The game plan is to come here, run very fast and win. Then we explore Safari. Kenya is a very beautiful country and rich in culture so definitely, I would like to see some zebras, elephants, giraffes and lions before I go back to America,” he hinted.
The Olympian has also hailed Kenya for making great strides in sprints, commending the country for a good show at the just concluded World Relays Championship in Guangzhou, China.
“Africa is soon becoming a powerhouse in sprints. South Africa took a chunk of the medals home from the World Relays, Botswana and Kenya did great things to qualify for the World Championships and Nigeria too is making great moves in the category.
“So, I definitely feel Africa is making an impact in track and field. As a continent, we should continue to keep the spirit alive. Someone running in Africa and for Africa will always continue to inspire me to do better and that’s why I will continue to run for Nigeria the rest of my life.”
Okezie who is a staunch Real Madrid fan has plans to defend his African Games title and his other wild dreams is to lower the world record, and nestle Olympics and World championships gold comfortably in his cabinet