The home crowd at Nyayo Stadium was treated to a high-octane showdown at the Kip Keino Classic today, but it was Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew who stole the headlines. In a stunning 800m final, Getachew outpaced Kenya’s reigning World Champion, Lilian Odira, to claim the gold.


​Despite a powerful performance from Odira, the Ethiopian duo proved formidable, securing two spots on the podium in one of the most anticipated races of the meet.


​The Podium Finish


  • ​🥇 Nigist Getachew (Ethiopia): 1st Place


  • ​🥈 Lilian Odira (Kenya): 2nd Place


  • ​🥉 Habtam Gebeyehu (Ethiopia): 3rd Place


​Race Breakdown


​Odira, carrying the weight of home expectations, maintained a strong position throughout the two laps. However, Getachew launched a decisive late surge in the final straight to cross the finish line first. Her compatriot, Gebeyehu, followed closely to ensure a dominant showing for the visiting Ethiopian team.


​What’s Next for Odira?


​While the silver medal wasn't the result the home fans were hoping for, Odira’s performance remains a solid season opener. As the "Migori Express" fine-tunes her form for the upcoming Diamond League circuit, this rivalry with the Ethiopians is clearly just heating up.


​Hard luck to our champion Lilian Odira! We move to the next one.


What did you think of the race?