As the curtains come down on what has been a busy year for him, national 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala says he will be going for nothing short of a win at Saturday's Kip Keino Classic at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
The Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist is part of a star-studded startlist for the men's 100m, which includes former Olympic silver medalist Justin Gatlin and Trayvon Bromell, the world's fastest man this year with 9.77.
Although he confessed his admiration for the two, Omanyala nonetheless said he will not get carried away by the excitement once he steps on the track.
"The excitement is just off the track. Once we step on it, it will be serious business where everyone will be working hard to cross the finish line first. My focus will be on the first position and not on these legends running beside me," he said.
The former University of Nairobi student said competing on home soil against the two Americans — among other competitors — will be the highlight of the year and a perfect way to end his season.
"Obviously, it feels great to compete against them and quite a honour. Gatlin is a veteran who has achieved so much as is the same for Bromell. It is definitely a highlight because I will be running against them at home," Omanyala said.
"Gatlin is someone I admire a lot for the longevity in his career. He is someone who has gone through a lot in life but has somehow managed to make it through. He was also unlucky to be in the same era as Usain Bolt but has handled it well."
Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100m champion, and Bromell were among elite athletes who arrived in the country on Wednesday night for the second edition of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
He was ecstatic about his first trip to Kenya.
"I have been to Africa before, twice in South Africa as well as twice in Morocco. However, I believe for you to say that you have visited the real Africa, you have to come to the motherland. It is a really special feeling for me to come to Kenya for the first time," the 2005 World Champion said.
