Ferdinand Omanyala has set his sights on making history at the Commonwealth Games after successfully defending his national 100m title at the Athletics Kenya National Championships and Commonwealth Games trials on Saturday.
The African record holder produced a commanding performance to win the men's final in 10.00 seconds, comfortably ahead of Meshack Babu, who finished second in 10.20, while Mark Otieno settled for third in 10.32.
However, for Omanyala, the national crown was merely another step towards a bigger objective, which is becoming the first African man to retain the Commonwealth Games 100m title.
The sprint star drew parallels between his latest performance and his preparations for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he also clocked 10.00 at the national trials before going on to claim gold in Birmingham.
“It’s a coincidence because the last time I went to the Commonwealth Games, I also ran the same time at the trials,” said Omanyala.
The Kenyan speedster, who won the Birmingham title in 10.02 ahead of South Africa’s Akani Simbine and Sri Lanka’s Yupun Abeykoon, believes another memorable campaign could be on the cards in Glasgow.
“I don’t believe in coincidences but I believe in history. You never know, the same thing may happen at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Omanyala admitted that the prospect of writing his name into the record books is driving his preparations ahead of the Games.
“I am excited about the Commonwealth Games. There’s nothing that’s taking me there apart from history. I want to be the first African to win it twice. That’s the history I am chasing.”
The national champion will waste little time celebrating his latest success, with the next stop on his busy international schedule being the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands.
“I have a busy schedule. I will be leaving for the Netherlands tonight for the FBK Games,” he said.
Millicent Ndoro secured her place in Team Kenya for Glasgow, a development that left the veteran sprinter delighted. (Amina Wako)
In the women’s race, experienced sprinter Millicent Ndoro continued her impressive domestic form by claiming the national title in 11.52 seconds.
Ndoro led home Eunice Kadogo, who clocked 11.80 for second place, while Brenda Masitsa completed the podium in 11.84.
The victory secured Ndoro’s place in Team Kenya for Glasgow, a development that left the veteran sprinter delighted.
“The race was good. The aim was to get that ticket to Glasgow and I am happy,” she said.
Having sealed qualification, Ndoro's immediate ambition is to reach the final before challenging for honours.
“The target is to get to the finals first. After that, anything can happen. I am also chasing good results and personal bests in Glasgow.”
Ndoro believes fine-tuning her start will be crucial if she is to compete with the best on the Commonwealth stage. “I want to improve my start. Once I get that, I am good to go,” she said.
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