Reigning Olympic Games 200m champion Gabby Thomas has set her focus to run sub 22 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic tomorrow at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Since such times have never been run on the Kenyan soil, with current benchmark stands at 22.07 seconds, set by fellow American Sha’Carri Richardson at the 2023 Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.
the American Thomas has personal best of 21.60 seconds wants to be the first woman to break the 22-second barrier on Kenyan soil.
Her confidence is well-founded, having sharpened her speed at last weekend’s Addis Ababa Grand Prix.
“I do feel good about my fitness. In Ethiopia, I ran 22 seconds into a headwind. If the conditions are nice, then things could shake up nicely,” she added.
last weekend iIn Addis Ababa, Thomas doubled with authority in both the 100m and 200m.
Over 200m, she powered to victory in 22.15, finishing ahead of compatriots Cambrea Sturgis (22.42) and Maia McCoy (22.96).
She then followed it up with a crisp 11.13 seconds in the 100m, leading home Chante Clinkscale (11.34) and Sturgis (11.36).
Despite the lure of history, Thomas remains grounded in the fundamentals.
“But of course I want to win the race, that’s the main target. If I can get the win, I will be very happy.”
“I have always wanted to come to East Africa and run here. I had a great time in Ethiopia, and even here in Kenya I feel so welcome. I can’t wait to race.”