Kip Keino Classic: Omanyala returns to 100m podium with improved performance
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 31.05.25. | 18:24
Omanyala's performance was an improvement from the 2024 edition, where he finished fifth in 10:03
Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, settled for third in 10:07 as Australian Kennedy Lachlan won the 100m event in 9:98 to register a personal best.
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Omanyala, who came into the event fresh off a second-place finish at the Rabat Diamond League, was hoping to deliver a home victory.
However, he had to settle for third in 10.07 seconds, behind South Africa’s teenage sensation Bayanda Walaza, who clocked 10.03 to finish second.
The event was not without its drama, with a false start momentarily unsettling the sprinters. That was a familiar scenario reminiscent of last year’s three false starts during the same event but in a different venue.
However, once the race got underway, it delivered fireworks, living up to the pre-race hype.
Lachlan could not hide his excitement after finally registering a sub-10.
“I’ve been chasing the sub-10 for a while now, and to finally get it, on Kenyan soil of all places, is special.
The energy from the crowd was amazing, it helped push me over the line,” the Australian sprinter said.
A significant part of the event’s hype was centred on the much-anticipated duel between Omanyala and the rising star Walaza.
The South African sprinter is a World U20 100m and 200m champion who has been making waves in the athletics world.
The 19-year-old, nicknamed "Wobble Wobble", recently clocked 9.94 to become the joint fifth-fastest junior of all time.
“This was a great experience for me. I’m still learning, still growing, and I look up to guys like Akani Simbine back home.
I want to keep getting better and hopefully become one of the greats,” he offered.
For Omanyala, ever the sportsman, the season is still young and his preparations are going according to plan. His fastest time so far came during the Botswana Grand Prix, where he clocked 10:00.
“I’m satisfied with the run. This is still the build-up phase of the season. The main targets are still ahead. I know we are on the right track,” he disclosed.
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