Kenya (Common Wealth) _ At the Kip Keino Classic, an international competition conducted in Nairobi on Saturday, Kenyan runner Ferdinand Omanyala easily won the 100-meter race.
Even though he fell short of breaking his African record, he defeated opponents in the fastest time this season—9.84 seconds—to win the race.
“I’m happy that I got a very good race, and the time is nice because it’s a world lead, so we’re just hoping that we break it down as we go on through the season,” he added.
The primary goal is to win the Diamond League title back in Oregon, where I did not have a good season, and the World Championships in Budapest this year.
He stated that his season’s goal is to lower his 9.77-second African record, which he achieved at the same competition in 2021, to under 9.70.
Olympic and global 200-meter silver medalist Kenny Bednarek of the United States finished in second place in 9.98, while Marvin Bracy-Williams of the United States finished third in 10.03.
Sha’Carri Richardson, a great sprinter for the US, won the 200 meters easily, indicating a return to form.
The American, who is already this year’s fastest woman in the 100m, destroyed the competition to win in a new meet record of 22.07 seconds.
“I’m delighted to hear that I’m a fan favorite from you guys (the media, ed) and from the fans because I wasn’t treated that way going into this meet. So, despite the circumstances, I’m just thankful that I had a good race, she added.
However, it was Omanyala, a local sensation, who enthralled the audience at home. He hasn’t been defeated this year.
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala Omurwa (born 2 January 1996) competes in the 60, 100, and 200 meter distances. With victories in the 100 m at the Commonwealth Games and the African Championships in Athletics in 2022, he claimed his first international titles.
Omanyala set the African record and is currently the ninth-fastest man in the event’s history after finishing in 9.77 seconds on September 18, 2021, in Nairobi. In the 60 m, he also owns the national record for Kenya.
