Australia’s Kennedy Lachlan was left beaming with emotion after storming to victory in the men’s 100m final at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic, clocking a lifetime best of 9.98 seconds at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The World Indoor silver medallist not only broke the elusive 10-second barrier but also stunned home crowd favourite Ferdinand Omanyala. Omanyala was seeking his third Kip Keino Classic title. He settled for third in 10.07, behind South Africa’s teenage sensation Bayanda Walaza who clocked 10.03.
“It feels super surreal,” Lachlan said moments after his triumph. “I’m not surprised…I was definitely happy because I knew I was close to going sub-10. I ran 10.00 at my nationals, so to come here and do it with competition like this feels really special.”
The 21-year-old Australian was particularly moved by the opportunity to run against Africa’s fastest man.
“It feels great to be able to run against Ferdinand Omanyala. It is the ultimate privilege,” he said. “Omanyala got me in China, and I was able to get him here… it’s really a full-circle moment.”
Lachlan was referencing their previous encounter at the Xiamen Diamond League earlier this season, where Omanyala finished second behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, while Lachlan came in fifth.
His performance in Nairobi, at altitude and against a world-class field, left the rising sprint star full of optimism for the season ahead.
“It’s a huge PB, especially considering how elite the field was and at high altitude. It means the season is heading in the right direction for me,” he added.
Omanyala: “We Move On”
Despite falling short of his target, Omanyala remained composed in his post-race remarks.
“Of course I expected a faster time, but the race is finished now and we move on,” said the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion.
Omanyala, who was eyeing his first sub-10 of the season, admitted there were still areas he needed to polish.
“I have been working on my transition and hopefully we can get it right in the next couple of days. Now I am going into the next phase and doing things I did not do,” he said.
The Kenyan sprint king had hoped to reclaim the title he won in 2022 (9.85) and 2023 (9.84), after finishing fifth in 2024 (10.03), where American Kenneth Bednarek won in 9.91.
Despite the disappointment, Omanyala acknowledged the crowd’s support.
“I thank the fans for turning up in large numbers. I mean the crowd was very electric,” he said.
With Lachlan’s breakthrough performance, and Walaza’s continued rise, the men’s 100m scene is proving to be fiercely competitive this season.
For Kennedy Lachlan, however, the Kip Keino Classic will remain a personal milestone.
“I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. This was special.”
