Omanyala eyeing the triple in Mauritius

Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala on Thursday raced to the national titles in both 100m and 200m as curtains came down on the three-day Athletics Kenya (AK) national championship. 

Competing for National Police Service (NPS) for the first time in a national event, Omanyala clocked 20.43 to win the 200m race ahead of Kenya Prisons' Dan Kaviasi who clocked 20.90 and former champion Mike Mokamba (21.01) who 

In 100m, the 9.77 runner clocked 10.03 to finish ahead of Uganda's Benson Okoth who clocked 10.52 while Kenyan-based Danish sprinter Tazana Kamanga placed third in 10.62. 

The sprinter is also confident of making the 4x100m relay team to Mauritius, adding to the 100m and 200m slots. 

"This was the first national championship in three years and I came prepared. I had fun racing here and I am content with the times I have posted given the weather on the final day. 

I am happy to have made the Senior African Athletics team and I will go for the three titles in Mauritius," said Omanyala. 

The continental championship will be held from 8 to 12 June in Reduit, Mauritius, and will serve as a qualification pathway to the World Championships set to be held from 15 to 24 July in, Eugene, Oregon. 

Omanyala, who started the season with the World Athletics indoor tour, competing in the 60m dash has quelled concerns that he is burning out due to his participation in many races. 

"Competition is the best training. It is hard to give 100% in training but when you're in a competition you give your best. You also get a chance to judge your performance and mistakes. I do not think I will burn out," said Omanyala. 

Kenya is hoping to improve on its 2018 performance where the country picked 19 medals; 11 gold, six silver, and two bronze medals to place top ahead of South Africa.