American sprinter Sturgis eyes big names in Kip Keino Classic debut

American sprinter Cambrea Sturgis has fired an early warning ahead of her debut at the Absa Kip Keino Classic, declaring she is ready to challenge some of the biggest names in women’s sprinting.

The 27-year-old touched down in Nairobi ahead of Friday’s showdown at Nyayo National Stadium, setting her sights on upsetting defending 100m champion Maia McCoy and Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas.

Thomas had registered for the 400m race in the competition, but changed her mind and will now double in the 100m and 200m categories.

Sturgis, who will compete in both the 100m and 200m, says racing against elite competition is key to her growth.

“I like competing against Gabby, she pushes me beyond my limits, she has made me a better athlete by running faster and improving on my timings,” she said on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The American is targeting faster times this season, with ambitions of clocking 10.09 seconds in the 100m and 22.00 seconds in the 200m during the Nairobi meet.

She heads into the race on the back of a strong outing at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix over the weekend, where she finished second in the 200m and third in the 100m.

Her Personal Bests are 10.87 (100m) set in 2022 and 22.12 (200m) set in 2021.

Despite it being her first time competing in Kenya, Sturgis expressed excitement about the experience, praising the weather and embracing the local culture.

“It feels great. I'm already in love with the warm sunny weather that I'm enjoying now upon landing in the country. I have also been taught a bit of Swahili which I'm excited to speak. I think this is one of the many trips that I plan to take to learn and explore more about Kenya,” she added.

After the Kip Keino Classic, Sturgis is set to compete in upcoming meets in Botswana and South Africa as she continues her 2026 campaign.