Kenya’s Africa 100 meters champion and record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala, clinched victory in the men’s 100m race at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix 1 at Tuks Athletics Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Despite facing chilly track conditions, the Commonwealth Games 100m champion ran a time of 10.12 seconds, beating home athlete and World Under-20 100m champion Benjamin Richardson, who finished second in 10.33 seconds. Omanyala’s compatriot Samuel Imeta came in fourth with a time of 10.39 seconds.
Ferdinand Omanyala competes at a past event. Photo by Anthony Dibon.
Source: Getty Images
Omanyala expressed satisfaction with the win but admitted that he was hoping for faster times, adding that the cold weather conditions had hampered his chances of a sub-10 seconds performance.
Nonetheless, he remained optimistic and focused on his next race at the ASA Grand Prix 2 on April 19 at Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg. He had previously clocked 9.98 seconds to beat home athlete Akani Simbine, who finished second in 10.11 seconds.
The 27-year-old policeman began his outdoor season on a high note by setting a time of 10.12 seconds during the opening race of the South African leg of the ASA Grand Prix Series. He emerged as the continent’s fastest man at the World Athletics Continental Tour meeting at Tuks Athletics Stadium, where he defeated a field of seven other participants. However, he will be disappointed that he did not bring his time below 10 seconds.
Kenya’s 400m hurdles champion, Wiseman Were, also performed an impressive performance, winning the men’s 400m hurdles race in 49.23 seconds. He beat home athletes Sabelo Dhlamini and Constant Pretorius, who finished second and third, respectively, with times of 50.01 and 50.48 seconds.
Omanyala’s success at the ASA Grand Prix 1 highlights his potential to excel globally, having already succeeded at the Commonwealth Games and Africa Championships. He remains focused on achieving his target of running a sub-10 seconds race and hopes for better climatic conditions in his next race. With his current form, he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the men’s 100m race.
Ferdinand Omanyala’s win at the ASA Grand Prix 1 in Pretoria is a testament to his athletic skill and determination. He has consistently shown that he is among the best African sprinters and is poised to make a name for himself on the global stage.