Omanyala breezes to victory at FBK games in Holland

By Peter Ochieng

Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala is the 2024 winner of the 100m race at FBK Games in Hengelo, the Netherlands.

The Commonwealth Games 100m champion clocked 10.01 to cut the tape, ahead of United States’ Ronnie Baker (10.03) and Canada’s Andre de Grasse (10.07) in second and third respectively.

Speaking after the win, the sprinter said his performance would have been better, adding that he was affected by the cold weather in Holland.

“The time couldn’t be that fast due to the weather, since it is cold out here. The crowd is nice, I love the fans everywhere and I’m always excited to see such an amazing audience,” he said.

Last month, Omanyala ran for 9.79 during the national trials for the Paris Olympics at the Nyayo National Stadium, booking a slot to the Olympic Games, which start on July 26, before curtains come down on August 11, 2024.

He said he hopes to remain healthy towards the Olympic Games.

“We’re getting into camp towards the Olympics and we’ll see what happens in Paris. What I think is needed for a medal? Being healthy man. Being healthy is the most important."

His performance came shortly after Faith Kipyegon broke her own world record in the women's 1500m at the Diamond League track and field meeting, in Paris on Sunday.

She finished in 3:49.04, surpassing her record of 3:49.11, which was set in Italy last year.

"I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to just run my race and to see what shape I'm in to defend my title at the Olympics."

The 30-year-old athlete is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500m, having won in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.

She hopes to defend her title in Paris, when Olympic Games get underway.

Besides the 1500m, Kipyegon will compete in the 5000m race at the Olympics, for the first time.