Zakithi Nene Blazes to Historic Sub-44 Victory in Nairobi

Image: courtesy of World Athletics

Zakithi Nene continued his stellar season with a breathtaking victory in the men’s 400m at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday (31), clocking a world-leading 43.76 in Nairobi. This victory comes just three weeks after he anchored South Africa to a memorable 4x400m win at the World Relays.

Taking place at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Kenya, the event marked the midpoint of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, with five meetings already completed and five still to come. Despite the venue being smaller than Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, the atmosphere was electric as six meeting records and two world-leading performances were recorded.

Nene dominated a competitive field, pulling away to secure victory by more than a second. His incredible time shattered his previous best of 44.22—set at the South African Championships earlier this year and pushed him to 16th on the all-time world rankings. Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie finished second in 44.98, while Kenya’s Zablon Ekwam claimed third in 45.01.

Another world-leading performance came in the men’s hammer throw. World and Olympic champion Ethan Katzberg returned to the site of his personal best from a year ago and delivered yet another outstanding throw, recording 82.73m to win by a commanding margin. Croatia’s Matija Greguric followed with a PB effort of 76.68m.

The women’s hammer throw was just as thrilling, with Katzberg’s Canadian teammate Camryn Rogers putting on a dominant display. Her season-best mark of 77.93m secured the victory ahead of Denmark’s Katrine Koch Jacobsen (74.21m) and USA’s Janee Kassanavoid (74.17m).