Kenya’s sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala produced a superb race to storm to victory in the men’s 100m during a quality Wanda Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, China, on Saturday.
Omanyala turned the tables after finishing runner-up to South Africa’s Gift Leotlela in Shanghai, winning the 100m in 9.94 (0.2m/s) to Leotlela’s 10.00. USA’s Trayvon Bromell was third in 10.03, the same time as Kenny Bednarek in fourth.
Reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo endured a difficult outing, finishing eighth, while four-time global medallist Kenny Bednarek placed fourth after finishing second in the previous Diamond League leg.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya led the East African nation to congratulate Omanyala for a remarkable demonstration of consistency, speed, and world-class excellence.
Kenyans react after Omanyala’s success
“Congratulations Ferdinand Omanyala on a spectacular victory at the Xiamen Diamond League,”said Mvurya.
“Clocking a Season’s Best time of 9.94 seconds and securing your fifth consecutive sub-10 performance this season is a remarkable demonstration of consistency, speed, and world-class excellence.
“Kenya proudly celebrates you, our sprint Champion.”
Kenya’s Sports PS Elijah Mwangi said: “Africa’s fastest man does it in China!
“Kenya’s Sprint Legend Ferdinand Omanyala stuns the world with explosive speed at the Xiamen Diamond League; winning the 100m with another sensational sub 10 show of 9.94.
“This is a huge win for Omanyala; a great moment for Kenya and Africa. For flying our flag proudly high at that global platform, congratulations. That was a pure class show! Take a bow.”
Former Member of the National Assembly of Kenya Charles Keter said: “Congratulations Ferdinand Omanyala for winning the men's 100m at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting in 9.94 seconds, making it four consecutive sub-10 performances this season.
“With consistency, determination and sheer speed, Ferdinand proved that he remains a formidable force on the global sprinting stage.
“Equally commendable is Faith Cherotich, who ran a strong 8:52.53 to claim third place in a women's 3000m steeplechase that featured some of the most elite steeplechasers on the circuit, and she handled the pressure of that company brilliantly.
“We are proud of you, Ferdinand and Faith, for flying the Kenyan flag high on the global athletics stage. Keep winning and we wish you even greater performances in the season ahead.”
The African record holder exploded out of the blocks before unleashing his trademark top-end speed to leave the world-class field behind, crossing the line in a stunning 9.94 seconds — his fifth straight sub-10 performance this season.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua congratulated the athlete, describing the win as a moment of national pride and inspiration to young sportsmen and women.
“Congratulations Ferdinand Omanyala for claiming the men’s 100m title in a Season’s Best (SB) of 9.94s at the Xiamen Diamond League! Great win in China! You continue to raise Kenya’s flag high globally while inspiring many of our young athletes! We are proud of you!” said Gachagua.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, said: “What a sensational run by Ferdinand Omanyala!
“Clocking an impressive 9.94 seconds to claim victory in the men’s 100m at the Xiamen Diamond League, he has once again risen high on the global athletics stage.
“Congratulations, Omanyala, for making the nation proud with yet another world-class performance.”
Omanyala headed into Saturday’s Diamond League meeting looking sharp and confident after another blistering outing in Shanghai last weekend.
He had already clocked four sub-10-second performances this season, underlining his growing consistency against the world’s best sprinters.
In 2022, Omanyala won his first international championships, with victories in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games, and African Championships in Athletics.
Omanyala is the African record holder and the 10th-fastest man of all time in the event after clocking a time of 9.77 seconds on 18 September 2021 in Nairobi. He also holds the Kenyan national record in the 60m.
