News Break
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala got his revenge by striking gold in the men’s 100 metres at the ongoing commonwealth games in Birmingham.
Omanyala, who missed a fair chance to compete at the Oregon World Athletics Championships raced to victory and is now the African and Commonwealth Champion.
Omanyala dethroned the reigning champion Akani Simbine by clocking 10:02 seconds becoming the first Kenyan since Seraphine Antao to win gold in the sprints at a major championship. Akani from South Africa came second at 10.13 seconds to take silver as Sri Lankan Yupun Abeykoon took bronze in 10.14 seconds.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined fellow Kenyans in congratulating Omanyala for winning Kenya’s first gold medal terming his global win of the 100m dash as a groundbreaking achievement for Kenya, an athletics powerhouse that’s not renown for prowess in short races.
“It was super exciting to watch Ferdinand win the 100m dash in style and earning our country her first gold medal in Birmingham. The win is a groundbreaking achievement not just for Ferdinand but for the whole of Kenya’s athletics because he has excelled in a domain that’s not traditionally ours,” the President said.
Azimio presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga took to his social media to congratulate Omanyala saying “Africa’s fastest man, a son of our soil, Ferdinand Omanyala, you have made our entire nation proud. Your victory exemplifies the results of focus, courage, consistency, and sacrifice. Congratulations!”
In April, Omanyala set a new season best at the ASA Athletics Grand Prix 4 inside Germiston Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
