Omanyala, Odira and Loti impress as Commonwealth Games Trials get underway

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, world 800m champion Lilian Odira and African 800m champion Kelvin Loti stamped their authority on the opening day of the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

Omanyala produced the fastest men’s 100m time of the day, cruising to victory in his heat in 10.22 seconds ahead of Maxwel Chingili (10.75) and Roomey Wayne (11.00). The Commonwealth 100m champion said his priority was to progress safely to the semi-finals.

“Today was all about just getting through the rounds and going into the semi-finals,” said Omanyala. The Kenyan sprint star, who is targeting another national title, said his season has been progressing well ahead of the major championships.

“The season has been great so far. I have had a good season, and I look forward to more great results in the second half. “All the work is being put towards July, August and September because of the Commonwealth Games and the World Ultimate Championships.”

Former national record holder Mark Otieno also looked impressive, winning his heat in 10.36 ahead of Tyson Juma (10.70) and Abel Mzee (10.72).

In the women’s 100m, defending national champion Esther Mbagari finished second in her heat after clocking 12.01 behind South Sudan’s Lucia Williams, who won in 11.97.

On the track, Odira sent out a strong statement in the women’s 800m heats, posting 2:00.51 to finish ahead of Pauline Ndusu (2:00.97) and Sheila Chepchirchir (2:04.41).

Loti was equally dominant in the men’s 800m, winning his heat in 1:47.78 ahead of Noah Kapkama (1:48.05) and Brivon Kiptoo (1:48.26).

In the women’s 5,000m semi-finals, Miriam Cherop won the opening heat in 16:00.74, narrowly beating Maureen Chebor (16:00.78) and Caroline Kariba (16:02.38).

“The race was good. I am happy with the win, and I am now looking forward to the final where I hope to put up a good show,” said Cherop, who is targeting a Commonwealth Games berth.

Chebor said: “I am happy with the result. Now the focus shifts to the final, where I am hoping to finish inside the top three.” Nancy Jepkemei claimed the second 5,000m heat in 15:30.56 ahead of Rebecca Mwangi and Miriam Kibet.

In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Celestine Biwot recorded the fastest time overall of 9:42.57, while Joyce Biwott won the opening heat in 9:44.12. Meanwhile, Nancy Kanini secured the women’s hammer throw national title with a winning mark of 49.13m ahead of Lucy Anyango (47.78m) and Joseph Ondara (42.38m).