Kenya's sensational sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has given explanation of his performance after bowing out of the World Indoor Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday, March 19.
During the 60 metres semi-finals at 2045hrs local time, Omanyala emerged fourth- clocking 6.64 seconds. The semi final race was eventually won by American Marvin Bracy with an impressive time of 6.51 Seconds. Jerod El Cock, who emerged second, rounded up the qualifying list with 6.63 seconds time.
Speaking after the race, Omanyala noted that the officials' decision to restart the race somewhat affected his concentration and performance.
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“The issues with the start affected me but it’s all good,” he noted.
He added that the main aim of running the indoor competition was to improve his pace and performance- noting that the experience had greatly impacted his overall skill.
"The main aim of me running the indoors this season was to improve how fast I get to top-end speed, use it as training and get to compete with the best in the world."
"It has been a great experience and I believe this will impact positively towards my outdoor season. See you all at the outdoors," he tweeted.
Omanyala's glimmer of hope in qualifying for the finals was dashed after the second semi-finals saw two athletes beat his time.
Olympic 100 metres champion Lamont Jacobs clocked in at 6:45 Seconds, setting a World Lead time in the process, while Great Britain’s Adam Thomas finished second with 6.57 seconds.
Omanyala will look to put his indoor debut lessons into practice as he sets his eyes on the World Athletics Championships to be held in the USA from July 15 to July 27.
The elite athlete has in the past expressed his desire to beat Jamaican Legend Usain Bolt's World Record of 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres event.
Omanyala's record-breaking time of 9.77 seconds in September 2021, earned him the title of Africa's fastest man during the Kipchoge Keino world continental tour.