Omanyala finishes third in season debut [VIDEO]

Africa's fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala opened his 2025 season with a third-place finish in the 100m at the ASA Grand Prix held on Wednesday 12 March at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.

Omanyala, who had a sluggish start from the blocks only clocked 10.22 seconds in a race won by youngster Karabo Letebele, running at home in lane one.

The 18-year-old sprinter would take the victory with a personal best of 10.19 seconds, narrowly edging out Emile Erasmus, who posted the same time, but settled for second place in what was a photo finish.

Fellow Kenyan Mark Odhiambo narrowly missed the podium after coming in fourth place with 10.39 seconds, while Zimbabwe’s Ngoni Makusha rounded out the top five at 10.43 seconds.

This was Omanyala’s first international race of the season after skipping the indoor circuit.

Omanyala, with sights on the World Championships later this year, unofficially kickstarted his campaign late last month, when he ran the 100m at the second leg of the Athletics Kenya and Field Meeting in Thika.

The African record holder will now set his sights on the ASA Grand Prix 2, scheduled for 19 March in Johannesburg.

Ferdinand Omanyala on special reason behind opening his season in Thika

ASA Grand Prix 1 Results

1. Karabo Letebele (South Africa) – 10.19

2. Emile Erasmus (South Africa) – 10.19

3. Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – 10.22

4. Mark Odhiambo (Kenya) – 10.39

5. Ngoni Makusha (Zimbabwe) – 10.43