Grenadian javelin star and Olympic bronze medallist Anderson Peters is set to use Saturday’s Kip Keino Classic — a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet — as the perfect launchpad for World Championship glory in Tokyo later this year.
Peters headlines a stacked men’s javelin lineup in Nairobi, which includes Kenya’s very own spear-throwing legend Julius Yego, the 2015 World Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, as well as 2016 Olympic champion Thomas Rohler of Germany.
Touching down in Nairobi early Monday morning, the two-time world champion exuded confidence, saying he’s fired up to use the Kip Keino Classic to sharpen his edge ahead of the long season.
“My form is decent for this time of year. There’s still some sharpening up to do, but the season is long. I’ve got time to adjust and fine-tune everything to make sure I’m at my peak for the World Championships,” Peters said.
Peters launched his 2025 campaign in March at the Grenada Championships, claiming top honours with a modest 74.90m throw.
He then opened his Diamond League season in Doha on May 16 with an impressive 85.64m, placing third behind Germany’s Julian Weber and 2020 Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra of India.
Weber set the world lead throw with a massive 91.06m effort in Doha, while Chopra joined the elite 90-metre club with a lifetime best of 90.23m.
Peters continued his solid form last Friday at the Janusz Kusociński Memorial in Chorzów, Poland, once again settling for third with an 83.24m mark behind Weber (86.12m) and Chopra (84.14m).
Despite the fierce competition, Peters believes the Kip Keino Classic offers the right conditions for a breakthrough.
“I’m looking forward to it. Last year’s meet had great conditions, especially the wind in the stadium. The crowd, the atmosphere, it was something I had never experienced before.”
“I’m eager to see how this new venue compares and how the fans turn up again,” he noted.
In 2023, Peters finished runner up with a 85.72m throw behind Rohler (87.35m).
This year, he’s excited to return — not just for the competition, but also for the connection he feels with the Kenyan fans and Kenyan Icon Yego.
“Competing here is always special. I’ve always gone head-to-head with Julius Yego, whom I grew up watching on TV.”
“He’s been a massive motivational figure for me, the first African and non-European to win a World Championship title. He paved the way for athletes like me and even others like Kishore Malkot. Being back in Kenya is like coming full circle,” he said.
The 2019 and 2022 world champion also hailed Kenyan athletics fans for their deep appreciation of the sport.
“The crowd didn’t just cheer for the sprints, they celebrated every field event, every athlete. Their passion and knowledge of the sport were remarkable. That kind of support is fuel for us,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone who showed me love last year. Let’s make this year’s Kip Keino Classic even bigger!”
Peters also took the moment to champion the growth of field events across Africa, calling for greater investment to balance the continent’s traditional dominance in distance and sprint events.
“If Africa wants to dominate globally in track and field, investment in both ends is cruicial. We need to show young athletes that they can be world-class in javelin, discus, shot put, or any field event. Growing both sides of the sport is a win for the continent.”
ALSO READ:Unstoppable Chebet ignites Kenyan domination at Rabat Diamond League
