The current Africa’s fastest sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 10.02 seconds to win the 100m race. The games were conducted at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.
The defending South African champion Akani Simbine came second after taking 10.13 seconds. Yupun Abekoon from Sri Lanka came third in 10.14 seconds.
“We have it…It’s now a reality” Omanyala said. He also added that he had been working for the victory and through his friends and Kenyans who supported him throughout the journey, he made it.
Omanyala said the victory will motivate him in the upcoming word Athletics Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
He also added that the victory will inspire and pave way for new sprinters. “It needed someone to break the barrier because there will be so many other sprinters coming through. It will have a lot of impact now that I have two championship gold medals and an Africa record,” said Omanyala in a statement. He also has the personal best of 9.77 seconds.
On the other hand, Omanyala managed to qualify for semi-finals despite visa that delayed forcing the Kenyan team to arrive late at Oregon. “It was about moving forward, using the setbacks to focus on the next adventure. Everything happens for a reason,” he justified.
“Simbine has never beaten me so he couldn’t have done it today. It’s such a blessing. He is a good rival,” said the African giant.
GOT a story? RING Kerosi Dotcom on +254 784 10 46 63 or EMAIL info@kerosi.com
