Omanyala falters in first event of the season
Another Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo finished fourth in 10.39 seconds
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala finished third after being stunned by South Africa’s 18-year-old Karabo Letebele who claimed victory in the Men’s 100m at the 2025 ASA Grand Prix 1 at Pilditch Athletics Stadium in Pretoria, clocking a personal best of 10.19 seconds.
Letebele edged out his countryman Emile Erasmus, who also posted 10.19, while Omanyala came in at 10.22 seconds. The Kenyan sprinter was using this event as part of preparations for the World Athletics Relay Championships in Guangzhou in China this May.
The Kenyan was the top star in the men’s field but failed to turn up against some of the local talent. His start off the blocks wasn’t perfect and he had to play catch up for the remainder of the race. His comeback attempt in the final stage fell short.
Omanyala who was a semi-finalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics had an overall good season with a win in the September Van Damme. His quick time of 9.79 seconds sprint at the National trials for the Olympics in Nairobi last year in a world leading time. The Kenyan Police runner is currently ranked ninth worldwide in the all-time 100m list.
Another Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo finished fourth in 10.39 seconds. Otieno is just returning off a WADA ban. As for Otieno, he has set himself a mark of securing qualification for the World Athletics Championships after just missing by a margin on a spot at last year’s summer games.
With qualifications for the 2025 World Athletics Championships gaining momentum, top Athletes like Omanyala will be polishing up on their performances in competitions prior like Diamond League and the World Athletics Tour Event in a bid to meet the qualification standard of 10.00 seconds for men and 11.07 seconds for women in the 100m event.
