American 400m hurdler Bianca Stubler is drawing inspiration from fellow countrywoman and six-time world record holder Sydney McLaughlin as she prepares to compete at the Absa Kip Keino Classic this Saturday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The 25-year-old sprinter says McLaughlin represents the pinnacle of what she hopes to achieve in her own career.
“Sydney is in a league of her own, and I really look up to her. We’re all on different paths, but I admire everything she’s accomplished,” Stubler said. “I still consider myself young and full of potential. The Kip Keino Classic is a great opportunity to take another step toward that level.”
Stubler is making her second consecutive appearance at the World Continental Tour Gold event, having finished third in last year’s women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 56.69 seconds. This time, she’s aiming higher.
“My goal is simple: to win and take gold,” she said. “I’ve looked at the lineup and I recognize several of the competitors—they were also in the field when I raced in Croatia.”
In addition to her athletic career, Stubler serves as an assistant sprints coach at Loyola University Chicago.
She fondly recalled her experience at last year’s Kip Keino Classic.
American stars Maia McCoy and Bianca Stubler in Nairobi.
“The atmosphere was incredible—the crowd was the wildest I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “It was such a memorable event, and I’m really excited to be back.”
A victory in Nairobi would be a major boost in Stubler’s campaign to earn a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Tokyo this September and ultimately the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“The Olympics have always been the dream,” she said. “I won’t stop chasing it. Winning gold here would mean the world to me.”
