Kip Keino Classic: Janee Kassanavoid Defends Hammer Throw Title, Gatis Cakss Wins Javelin Event

• Janee Kassanavoid successfully defended her Kip Keino Classic title
• The 29-year-old American did 75.99m in the women's hammer throw event
• Gatis Cakss won the men’s javelin event with an impressive throw of 81.74m

World women’s hammer throw silver medalist, Janee Kassanavoid, successfully defended her Kip Keino Classic title at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, April 20.

The American hurled a distance of 75.99m, with Romanian Bianca Ghelber coming second with 74.06m, followed by Norwegian Beatrice Nedberge in third with 70.77m.

Kassanavoid, who arrived in high spirits on Wednesday, April 17, expressed delight to have competed in the World Continental Tour showpiece.

"This is my fourth time coming to Kenya and starting the season here. I am happy with today's throw; it means a lot of good things to come this year," she said, as captured by Sports Brief.

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The 29-year-old used the contest to ramp up her preparations for the Summer Olympics in Paris. Despite being out of competition for a while, she has declared that she is ready to face rivals head-on in Paris.

Kassanavoid made history last year after securing a bronze medal at the World Track and Field Championships, making history as the first Native American woman to win a medal at the Worlds. As reported by NBC, she continued her success in 2023, clinching a silver medal.

In the men’s javelin event, 2014 World Junior Champion, Gatis Cakss, emerged victorious with an overall throw of 81.74m.

2016 Olympics champion, Thomas Rohler of Germany, came second with a season’s best of 80.62m. Last year’s winner, Belgium’s Timothy Herman, took third place with an overall throw of 79.94m, also a season’s best.

Cakss, who finished 33rd at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, described the win as the perfect welcome gift for his first visit to Africa.

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“It's one of the best season openers. The competition was tough but friendly. I'm happy to be in Kenya. It's my first time in Africa,” the Latvian said, as quoted by the event's website.

Kenneth Bednarek wins 100m race at Kip Keino Classic

Sports Brief reported that American sprinter, Kenneth Bednarek, won the Men's 100-metre race at the Absa Kip Keino Classic.

The Olympic 200m silver medallist beat a star-studded field to cross the line in 9.91 seconds.

Emmanuel Matadi of Liberia came second in 9.99 seconds, with Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu third (10.00).