Muzala Samukonga after arriving at JKIA for the Kip Keino Classic/ TEDDY MULEI

World and Olympic women’s hammer throw champion Camryn Rodgers is targeting another statement performance at the Kip Keino Classic on Friday as she seeks back-to-back victories on Kenyan soil.

The Canadian claimed victory on debut last year with a 77.93m throw, finishing ahead of Katrine Koch (74.21m) and Janee' Kassanavoid (74.17m).
Returning for this year’s edition, Rodgers is eager to go even further.
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“The goal is to defend my title and throw far,” she said upon arrival at JKIA on Tuesday night.
She is banking on the Kenyan atmosphere to inspire a big mark.
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“Based on how my experience was last year and how incredibly welcoming the Kenyan people are, I think it’s going to be a good trip, so I’m just hoping for a big throw,” she added.
"Last year the fans were so loud, they cheered us from start to finish and that gave us the extra lift to throw even farther."
The 26-year-old heads into the meet in strong form, having opened her season with victory at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with an 81.13m throw, before following it up with another win at the Oklahoma Throws Series (79.63m).

“I have been training really hard and competed in a few meets in the lead-up to Kenya. The aim has been to be more consistent, get stronger and become technically sound throughout the season,” she said.
Despite her form, Rodgers expects stiff competition.

“There will be some really good throwers coming, and that makes the competition really great,” she noted.
In the javelin, 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler is targeting a strong start to his 2026 season at his third appearance at the Kip Keino Classic, having finished second in both 2024 (80.62m) and 2025 (80.79m).

“Last year was a good start to the season. This year we are still early, I’ve just started adding more speed, and Kip Keino is a good place to begin,” Rohler said. “I’m looking forward to starting the season in a strong way.”
He, however, anticipates a tough contest, particularly from Rumesh Pathirage.

“It’s a very strong field. Rumesh is there and he has already thrown close to 90m this year, so it’s going to be a serious competition.”
Pathirage threw 89.37m to win at the Champions Track and Field meeting on March 28. On the track, Muzala Samukonga has promised a strong showing in the 400m.
“For Kip Keino, the fans should expect positive results. I can’t say much because tomorrow is never promised, but I’m expecting a strong performance,” he said.
“The build-up for the 2026 season has been okay. The main focus has been on endurance and building power.”
Samukonga opened his season in Lesotho, clocking 44.75 to finish second at the Maseru meeting.
The men’s 400m is shaping up as a key highlight, with Samukonga set to face defending champion Zakith Nene and Brian Faust.
“I’m here to run my race, I’m not looking at anybody,” he said.