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The Tokyo Olympics marked the first time since 2004 that Usain Bolt was not a part of the 100m event. Big names like Andre De Grasse and Fred Kerley were in the mix as the world pondered over who would win. Out of nowhere came Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, who won the gold with a time of 9.80seconds.

The Italian shocked millions as he took home the gold at the Tokyo Olympics. He also won the 4x100m relay event at the games. Jacobs has since won many more events with his latest victory coming in the 60m event at the World Indoor Championships.

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The Italian is now taking part in the upcoming Kip Keino Classic, where Kerley and Ferdinand Omanyala wait for him.

Marcell Jacobs set to race against Omanyala

The Kip Keino Classic is just days away and the Olympic 100m champion has decided to be a part of it. With the likes of Fred Kerley and Ferdinand Omanyala already in the mix, the event is getting exciting.

Africa’s fastest man, Omanyala, has said that the showdown among these three racers will produce historic moments. It will be the second time that Jacobs and Ferdinand will face each other this year. The first race came during the World Athletics Indoor tour in Calais in February. While Jacobs won the 60m race, Omanyala finished fourth in the event.

Ferdinand is looking to finally defeat the Italian, and his home track should be an advantage. “I didn?t have goosebumps, but the entry of Jacobs has elicited some,” said Omanyala. Ferdinand also said that he welcomes Marcell to visit the Nairobi National Park but not to beat him in the race. “I wholeheartedly welcome Jacobs to come and watch our beautiful Big Five at Nairobi National Park but not beat me at home. I won?t allow that!” he added.

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This will be the first time that Jacobs will be racing in Kenya. Marcell welcomed his debut trip to Kenya on social media platforms. ?World tour is starting, let?s go! My 100 meters debut in Nairobi, Kenya,??said the Olympic champion.

Jacobs snubbed from Athlete of the Year nominations

The 27-year-old won his first and second gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. With this achievement, he became the first Italian to qualify for and win the 100m final at the Olympics. Jacobs also won the 4x100m relay event with teammates Lorenzo Patta, Fausto Desalu, and Filippo Tortu.

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Despite all his achievements, Jacobs was not shortlisted as a nominee for ‘Athlete of the Year.’ This left the world shocked as one man reacted more than anyone else. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson took to Twitter to express his disappointment. He also admitted that consistency needs to be shown in every competition to be considered.

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However, it will be interesting to see Jacobs at the Kip Keino Classic, as it is still a very open field with no definite winner of the race.