A month ago in Austria, Ferdinand Omanyala ran a sub-ten seconds at the Austria Josko Laufmeeting in Austria to secure the first position in the finals of the 100 metres race.
The 26-year-old’s time of 9:86 was not only a national record then but the fastest time ever posted at Josko for 15 years.
In run to the season ender at Kasarani, the University of Nairobi student promised something spectacular to Kenyans and he delivered despite finishing one-hundredth of a second behind 2015 World champion Trayvon Bromell to smash the national record yet again in a time of 9.76 seconds.
Omanyala who got off the blocks slowly gathered pace after 30 meters, sprinting past second placed Justin Gatlin and just falling short of beating the other American star Bromell.
Omanyala pushed the 2015 World champion all the way and the cheers around the stadium did not only motivate him but propelled him to smashing the national record and the African record (9.84 seconds) that was being held by South African Akani Simbine.
His outstanding performance has also made him the eighth fastest man on earth.
Omanyala smashed the African record of 9.84 seconds held by South African Akani Simbine.
"I felt like I could go faster. I sprained my groin at the warm-up area so I wasn't sure if I was going to run fast, but I am happy it behaved," said Omanyala. "There is still much much more to come from me."
Omanyala said setting new African and Kenyan records will sink in days later.
"It's a good thing and I thank God for it, it's by God's grace."
Omanyala said closing the season on that high means alot to him
"It's just a blessing and that means I shall start next season on a high. I know 2022 will be kind and good to me God willing," said Omanyala.
In the early races Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon easily won her race ahead of Eva Cherono and Lilian Kasait. Noah Kibet smiled his way to the bank as he broke clear of the rest of the pack to win the mens 800 meters ahead of Collins Kipruto
Philemon Kiplimo wonthe men’s 10,000 m when he clocked 28:37.96 ahead of Rueben Longosiwa who came second in 28:38.97 as Geoffrey Kipchumba placed third 28:38.99.