Omanyala cruises to victory in South Africa

Ferdinand Omanyala wins the final of the men's 100 metres

Ferdinand Omanyala wins the final of the men's 100 metres races during the second leg of Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend Meeting at Nyayo National Stadium on February 25, 2023. 

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Kenya's 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were put away men’s 400m hurdles race in 49.23, beating home athletes Sabelo Dhlamini and Constant Pretorius to second and third places in 50.01 and 50.48 respectively.

Africa 100 metres champion and record holder Ferdinand Omanyala braved the chilly track to win the men's 100m race at Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix 1 at Tuks Athletics Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The Commonwealth Games 100m champion took off the blocks well before easing off in the last 30ms to triumph in 10.12 seconds.

The 27-year-old policeman beat home athlete and World Under-20 100m champion Benjamin Richardson to second place in 10.33sec.

Omanyala’s compatriot Samuel Imeta finished fourth in 10.39 sec.

“I was expecting fast times but a win is always a win and I celebrate in everything and thank God,” said Omanyala, adding that the cold weather hampered a sub 10 seconds performance.

“Every race counts as I focus on the next race where I hope it will be faster with better climatic conditions. My target is still the same...run a sub 10 and looking forward to that, “explained Omanyala.

Omanyala now shifts focus to  the ASA Grand Prix 2 on April 19 at Germiston Stadium, Johannesburg where he clocked 9.98sec to win, beating home athlete Akani Simbine to second place in 10.11sec.

Kenya's 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were put away men’s 400m hurdles race in 49.23, beating home athletes Sabelo Dhlamini and Constant Pretorius to second and third places in 50.01 and 50.48 respectively.