By Jehoshaphat Kanyoro Njaro
Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala showcased his dominance at the Olympics trials on Saturday afternoon, clocking a world-leading 9.79 seconds at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
This impressive sprint not only solidifies his position as the fastest African athlete but also serves as a stern warning to his global competitors as the Paris Games approach.
Omanyala, who had already secured his qualification for the Paris Games, was determined to deliver a memorable performance in front of his home crowd. This race marked his last appearance in Nairobi before the summer fiesta, and he did not disappoint.
After hinting at a strong finish following his semi-final run, he effortlessly surged past his closest rival, Mark Otieno, a former national champion in the distance.
“This is a warning to so many people in the world, of what could happen in the next three months…” Omanyala declared with his characteristic confidence post-race, underscoring his readiness to challenge for top honors in Paris.
Mark Otieno, who finished second with a time of 10.12 seconds, was pleased with his performance despite not meeting the qualification standard.
“It is not over until it is over. There is still time and I go back to work on improving my time,” Otieno said, expressing hope for his Olympic prospects.
Earlier in the day, world silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered a compelling performance in the 800m final, winning with a time of 1:41.70. Wanyonyi’s victory was particularly significant as it followed a dramatic turn of events in the semifinals.
After being tripped by a fellow athlete, he was granted a place in the final through an appeal.In the final, Wanyonyi led from the start to the finish line, securing his Olympic ticket with authority.
He was closely followed by Wycliffe Kinyamal, who clocked 1:42.50, and Koitatoi Kidali, who finished in 1:42.66.
The performances of Omanyala and Wanyonyi have set a high bar for Kenyan athletes as they prepare for the Paris Games, demonstrating that they are serious contenders on the world stage.