Ferdinand Omanyala Omurwa, a Kenyan sprinter competing in the 60 metres, 100m and 200m has written his name in history books as he recently stormed to victory in the 100 metres at the Kip Keino Classic, an international meeting held in Nairobi.
Remarkably, even though he failed to top his African record, he beat off rivals in a time of 9.84 seconds, the best in the world this season.
In a post victory speech, he said “I’m happy that I got a very good race and the time is nice because it’s a world lead, so we’re just hoping that we break it down as we go on through the season”.
“The main aim is to win the World Championships in Budapest this year and the Diamond League trophy back in Oregon, where I did not have a good competition there.”
Omurwa averred that his target for the season is to cut his African record of 9.77 seconds, set at the same event in 2021, to under 9.70.
Meanwhile, US Olympic and world 200m silver medallist, Kenny Bednarek, was second in 9.98 and world 100m silver medallist Marvin Bracy-Williams was third in 10.03.
On her part, US star sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson, took an easy win in the 200 metres signalling her return to form.
Even though she already sits comfortably in her position as the fastest woman in the world this year in the 100m, the American obliterated the field to win in a new meet time of 22.07 seconds.
In a post victory chat, she said “I’m glad to hear from you guys (the media, ed) and from the fans that I’m a fan favourite because I wasn’t treated like that coming into this meet. So I’m just grateful that I had a good race nevertheless of the circumstances”.
However, reports said it was local sensation Omanyala, who thrilled the home crowd. He has remained unbeaten this season.
