Kenyan sprinting maestro Ferdinand Omanyala has rebutted allegations that he is in deficient form after wrapping up fifth at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday.
The continent's most revered sprinter promised to rebound emphatically from his disastrous performance, which sent shockwaves around the country and left local sports fans perplexed.
In an interview on Wednesday, Omanyala pledged to appease the throngs of Kenyan fans who flocked to the stands of Nyayo stadium to roar him on.
"Life teaches you how to handle stuff and the races humble you at some point," Omanyala remarked.
"We are approaching this differently so we are building up the 100m as we go deep into the season," he added.
The double Kip Keino Classic 100-meter champion crossed the line in 10.03 seconds in a blistering race won by American Kenneth Bednarek who breasted the tape in 9.91 seconds.
Liberian Emmanuel Matadi placed third in 9.99 seconds ahead of Italian Ali Chituru who clocked 10.00 seconds.
Omanyala’s compatriot, Mark Odhiambo, was a distant sixth with a time of 10.22 seconds as the American Camel Dorian and the Ivorian Arthur Cisse finished in the last two positions with times of 10.33s and 10.48s respectively.
This was Omanyala’s first 100-meter race this season, coming exactly four months ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
It was also his worst meet performance compared to the impressive times of 9.77s, 9.85s, and 9.84s he registered in the three previous editions of the competition in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively.
“This was my first 100m after a long time and the aim was to see where we are. The real deal is coming in three months, during the Olympics.
“We are approaching this season with a different mindset. I don’t want to peak too early, I don’t want to peak in March and then go down before August," Omanyala stated.
Omanyala disclosed that he would be gracing numerous international showpieces to hone his skills before the Olympics. He will have his first assignment at the World Relays Championships.
"We are currently focusing on the World Relays. Following that, we plan to participate in a few races in the United States and Europe's Diamond Leagues, and ultimately, the Olympics," revealed Omanyala.
"Ensuring the team competes in the Olympics and World Championships the following year is the goal in the Bahamas. We are excited to participate in the 4x100m since it will be the first time."
