This archive report was first published on 18 September 2021.
On a day when Kenyan athletes were expected to dominate the Kip Keino Classic Meet at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali stole the show by winning the men's 3000m steeplechase in 8:21.20.
However, the day belonged to Celliphine Chespol, the former World U20 champion, who made a triumphant return to athletics after a near-fatal accident in April 2021. Chespol clocked 9:30.55 to win the women's 3000m steeplechase, a strong field of 16 contestants.
Chespol's victory was a testament to her determination and resilience. She had been training hard to regain her fitness after being knocked down by a school bus in Ngong on April 7, 2021, an injury that had denied her a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
"My body is getting into shape, I hope I will be as fit as a fiddle before the World Championships next year," Chespol said.
Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon was another star performer, winning the women's 1500m category in 4:02.40. "It has been a successful year for me, I broke my own personal best this season," Kipyegon said.
"I'm glad to have run at home today, I'm happy I gave my fans a piece of me. I'm also glad I did not disappoint," she added.
Other notable winners at the meet included Namibian teen sensation Christine Mboma, who won the women's 200m in 22.39, and Fred Kerley of the U.S., who won the men's 200m in 19.76.
