Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala received a special tribute during the high-stakes Lega Basket Serie A semifinal between Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna at the Unipol Forum.
As a VIP guest, Omanyala was presented with a personalised EA7 Emporio Armani jersey bearing his name “OMANYALA” and the number “9.77.” Celebrating his African 100m record time of 9.77 seconds.
Meanwhile, the jersey, crafted by EA7—the official kit supplier for Olimpia Milano—blended the club’s iconic red and white colours with Omanyala’s sprinting legacy.
The jersey symbolises Ferdinand Omanyala`s rising global profile beyond athletics. This gesture highlighted the growing intersection between elite basketball and international track stars. Moreover, showcasing Omanyala’s expanding influence as a global sports figure.
Olimpia Milano, Italy’s reigning Serie A champions, hosted the intense semifinal clash at the Unipol Forum, one of Europe’s premier basketball venues. Omanyala’s presence and the jersey presentation captivated fans, emphasising his status as a trailblazer for Kenya and African athletics on the world stage.
The number 9.77 on the jersey pays homage to Omanyala’s record-breaking sprint. The fastest time ever by an African athlete, and serves as a powerful symbol of excellence and speed. In addition, this unique crossover moment underscored how sports can unite fans across disciplines and continents.
Ferdinand Omanyala’s Best 2025 Performance: Breaking Records and Leading Kenyan Sprinting Forward
Kenya’s sprint superstar, Ferdinand Omanyala, has continued to shine in the 2025 season, delivering remarkable performances that have solidified his status as Africa’s fastest man and a global sprinting force.
African Record in the 150m and Strong 100m Season
On May 18, 2025, Omanyala stunned athletics fans by setting a new African record in the 150 meters at the adidas Atlanta City Games, clocking an impressive 14.70 seconds. This time ranks him sixth fastest all-time globally over that distance.
It also adds a second African record to his name, complementing his 9.77-second 100m record set in 2021.
Earlier in the season, Omanyala launched his 2025 campaign with a 10.09-second 100m win at Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in March. Signalling his readiness for the competitive season ahead.
He followed this with strong showings in Diamond League events, including a season-best 10.00 seconds at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, a 10.13-second run at the Xiamen Diamond League and a 10.01 at the Rome Diamond League.
Ferdinand Omanyala: Leading Kenya’s Sprinting Revival
Beyond individual glory, Omanyala played a pivotal role in guiding Kenya’s 4x100m relay team to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo for the first time since 1983.
This achievement reflects his commitment to nurturing a new generation of Kenyan sprinters and raising the country’s profile on the global athletics stage.
Provisional ASA Squad Announced For African U18 And U20 Championships
The honour from Olimpia Milano reflects Ferdinand Omanyala`s growing international recognition and the broad appeal of his athletic achievements.
His journey from Kenya’s tracks to the heart of Italian basketball culture marks an inspiring chapter in the global celebration of sporting talent.
