Omanyala opens up on what running a world lead time meant to him

He is affectionately referred to as the Beast from the East, and he lives up to the billing anytime he competes in his 100m race.

Ferdinand Omanyala is the only Kenyan sprinter who attained an Olympics qualifying time during the trials held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

He ran 9.79, and came too close to breaking his African record of 9.77.

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The sensational sprinter, who won gold both at the Commonwealth Games and African Championships in 2022, will be instrumental as Africa continues its search for an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100m race.

Speaking after the race, Omanyala noted that he views the milestone as a pivotal moment in his career, and is now poised for even greater success.

The trials also gave him the clarity and confidence needed to guide him towards future triumphs, including the Paris Olympics.

“Running 9.79 means that the road is clear now and as we head to Paris, good things are coming,” he offered.

A month ago, the sprinter was at the center of criticism after finishing fifth during the rainy 2024 edition of the Kip Keino Classic which happened in April. He ran 10.03.

The conversation would however change after he proved to be the King of 100m on the same track on Saturday.

He attributed his success to his unwavering belief in trusting the process, noting that he was yet to reach his peak.

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He will now adjust to Olympics mode by doing more repetitions in training as he aims to lower his time in the star-studded Olympics field.

“As I told people, let us handle each day as it comes and let us trust the process. We were hoping to peak in July/August, and that is what we are seeing now. We will go to the camp and do more competitive reps. We were doing just one or two reps but now it will be intense. I am happy that on Friday I ran a 10.09 and I lowered it to 9.79. That means I am getting better in the Championships. Let us trust the process,” he emphasized.

That was his second sub-10 this season having 9.98 clocked at the Prefontaine Classic last month.

He went ahead to grace the Kip Keino Classic in April before 10.02 at the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica early this month.

“I have not done much this year. I have done like four international races. We wanted to do less competitions and more training,” he said.

When asked what his message to his competitors was, the sprinting maestro calmly said: “When I peak I do it very well. They should be worried.”