Commonwealth 100 metres champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, is crossing his fingers for an impressive show at the Memorial Borisa Hanžekovića.
The meeting, which has been part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series since 2020, is slated for September 9 to 11 at Sports Park Mladost, Zagreb, Croatia.
The oldest sports event in Croatia, Boris Hanžeković Memorial has been held since 1951 in honour of hurdler Boris Hanžeković, who was killed in WWII.
In a tweet early Wednesday, the Kenyan sprint sensation exuded confidence heading into the race.
“Heading to my last race of the season with positivity, happiness and gratitude to God for the great season He has given to me and my fans all over the world. Never underestimate your abilities people,” Omanyala tweeted.
Earlier on, Omanyala said he was grateful to have experienced a splendid season thus far.
“Time to reset, refocus and see what the world of athletics has to offer as I head towards the last week of what has been a glamorous season.”
He finished second behind American Noah Lyles at the ISTAF Berlin 2022 in Germany on Sunday.
Lyles, 25, blazed to the finish line in 9.95, to set a new 100m season-best time.
Omanyala with 9.85 recorded at the Kip Keino Classic in 2021, had been fancied to carry the day heading into the race.
However, the Kenyan was no match for his American opponent, rather settling for second place after clocking 10.11 ahead of Jeremiah Azu of Great Britain who came in third in 10.16.
The defeat was the second in a series of heartbreaks for Omanyala, who lost to World 100m silver medallist Marvin Bracy at the Spitzen Leichtathletik four days ago.
Competing for the first time since his momentous Commonwealth victory, Omanyala wheeled to the finish line in 10.18 seconds, just 0.01 seconds behind Bracy.
The pair clocked 10.17 and 10.18 respectively in the bristling conditions. ISTAF Berlin is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour silver-level meetings.
Edited by Tony Mballa
