Koech sizzles in Nairobi with 800m win at Kip Keino Classic

Kenyan-born American Jonah Koech extended his red-hot form into the 2025 season, storming to victory in the men’s 800m at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Koech produced a commanding kick down the home straight to clock 1:43.32, comfortably ahead of Nicholas Kebenei (1:43.75) and Alex Ngeno (1:45.17).
His time was also well within the Olympic qualifying mark of 1:44.50 for the Tokyo 2025 games.
Koech came into the Kip Keino Classic fresh off another impressive performance, winning the 1,500m at the Rabat Diamond League in 3:31.43, a personal best.
He said he was thrilled to finally be competing at the level he always dreamed of.
“It has taken me 15 years to be able to compete like this and break my own barrier,” Koech said.
Koech revealed that his resurgence was largely inspired by support from his sponsors and his inner circle.
“I almost gave up but my kit company came in at the right time,” he added.
“I took long in school doing my degree and army training. Feels good to compete at my home away from home,” he noted.