Omanyala shines again at Kip Keino Classic as he wins 100m race

Kenya’s sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala lit up the Moi Stadium, Kasarani stands on his way to yet another landmark victory in a blistering 100m race on Saturday.

The African 100m record holder defended the title he won last year during the championships at the same venue.

The sprinter romped into victory after timing 9.84 to complete a world lead ahead of American Kenneth Bednarek (9.98) as his season best with compatriot Marvin Bracy-Williams was third in 10.03.

However, just like last year, the final race of the day did not lack drama after Kenyan Stephen Odhiambo was shown the red card following a false start.

He said that the race was his moment to shine as part of preparations for the World Championships.

“I was ready and my body was good enough to handle the pressure, especially after the false start,” said Omanyla.

Former world under 20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi edged out two-time Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal to win the 800m title.

He set another championship record, the second one in his career after setting the world under 20 championships way back in 2021 when he won the world title.

Wanyonyi cruised to a world-leading time and personal best of 1:43.32 and was followed by Kinyamal with a meet record time of 1:43.36 with former world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot closing the podium in 1:44.99.