NAIROBI, May 17 (Xinhua) -- World 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett of Kenya will be among the over 30 foreign athletes expected to compete at the International Whitsun athletics meeting in Rehlingen, Germany on June 5.
Bett, who cancelled his training camp in South Africa to start early his competition, is seeking fast time as he gears towards defending the title he won in Beijing two years ago against all odds.
The Kenyan started off his season worse than expected as he was seventh in 51.09 and only managed to beat compatriot Haron Keoch in a race won by American Bershawn Jackson in a meet record of 48.63 in Shanghai at the Diamond League.
"It is unfortunate how I performed. But I am hopeful to pick up well in the buildup and hopefully, will get the best results in Germany," said Bett.
Bett will face Olympic finalist and teammate Haron Koech as well as former European champion Kariem Hussein.
The Kenyan surprised the world with his victory at the Beijing world championship in the 400-meter hurdles last year and was considered one of the favorites to medal in Rio, but he stumbled on his final hurdle and failed to qualify for the semifinals.
