Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala delivered a commanding performance in a rare 150m sprint at the Adidas Atlanta City Games held on Saturday.
The distance, seldom contested at the elite level, offered Omanyala a timely opportunity to sharpen his form and rhythm midway through the outdoor season.
“We’ve done a few 100m races already, so the 150m is part of our plan to build gradually into the season,” he said. “It went great and we’re just taking it step by step.”
When asked about how he approached the race, the Commonwealth and African champion credited his coach’s input.
“My coach told me to explode out of the blocks—and that’s exactly what I did,” he explained. “The momentum carried me through, and being a frontrunner, I just kept pushing to the line.”
The strong Atlanta showing was a much-needed comeback for the 29-year-old after a disappointing finish at the Shanghai Diamond League on May 3, where he clocked 10.25 seconds.
Skipping Indoors to Focus on Long-Term Goals
Omanyala also opened up about his absence from the 2024 indoor season, a choice he made for personal reasons despite a strong 2023 indoor showing.
“I had personal issues that I needed to sort out. That’s why we decided to skip indoors and instead focus on a longer preparation,” he said.
From Breakout Star to African Record Holder
Since bursting onto the international stage in 2021, Omanyala has become one of the world’s top sprinters, holding the African record in the 100m and earning several major titles.
“Athletics is my life—I wake up and go to sleep thinking about it. 2022 set me up perfectly for what’s to come.”
Elevating Kenyan Sprinting
While Kenya is best known for its dominance in long-distance events, Omanyala is leading a new sprinting movement. His influence extends beyond personal goals—he is invested in raising Kenya’s sprinting standards globally.
“It was a dream come true when we qualified [for the World Championships in the 4x100m relay],” he shared. “Now they’ve had a taste of what it’s like on the world stage—and it will change their mindset completely.”
At the recent World Relays in Guangzhou, China, Omanyala made a tactical switch by running the second leg rather than anchoring.
He teamed up with Boniface Mweresa, Meshack Babu, and Steve Odhiambo.They clocked 38.51 seconds—securing Kenya’s first-ever qualification for the 4x100m at the World Championships.
Rivalry with Noah Lyles Put on Hold
Omanyala had been expected to renew his rivalry with Noah Lyles, the American Olympic 100m champion, at the Atlanta meet.
The rematch would have followed their 2023 face-off, where Lyles won in 14.46 seconds and Omanyala finished third in 14.89 seconds. However, Lyles withdrew ahead of the event.
Solid Form in the 2025 Season
Despite the missed showdown, Omanyala has demonstrated consistent form in 2025:
ASA Grand Prix (South Africa) – 3rd (10.22), then 1st (10.08)
Uganda National Trials – 1st (10.09)
Botswana Grand Prix – 2nd behind Akani Simbine (9.90) with 10.00
Xiamen Diamond League – 2nd (10.13)
Eyes Set on Rabat Diamond League
Looking ahead, Omanyala’s next challenge is the Rabat Diamond League on May 25, where he hopes to maintain momentum.
“We’re inspiring a generation and this is only the beginning,” he said with conviction.
