Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, became the first Kenyan to win a Diamond League Meeting in the 100m, flooring a strong field in Monaco.
Omanyala was in a league of his own as he sailed to the finish line in 9.92 seconds, ahead of Botswana’s star Letsile Tebogo, who recorded 9.93. Ackeem Blake of Jamaica completed the podium with a time of 10.00.
Without arch-rival Fred Kerley present, it seemed obvious that Omanyala would win the day, and he more than lived up to expectations.
The Commonwealth Games champion got out to a slow start, but he picked up speed, and in the final 60 meters, he had the lead and was moving quickly toward the finish line.
He began his Diamond League career at the Meeting in Rabat, Morocco, where he placed third behind South African Akani Simbine and World champion Kerley. After that, he traveled to Florence, Italy for the Meeting, where he came in second place to Kerley.
In France’s Diamond League Meeting, he also came in second against World 200m champion Noah Lyles. The 27-year-old is now motivated to win the championship as she travels to Budapest, Hungary for the World Championships.
He wants to become the first African to win a gold medal in the world championship, and based on his current form, he might well be on the right track.