Omanyala shows signs of progress as Krop, Serem secure podium finishes at Paris Diamond League

USA's Trayvon Bromell and Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala after their men's 100m at the Paris Diamond League on June 28, 2026. (Photo: Skyler Sharp)

By Amina Wako
Monday, June 29, 2026

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Ferdinand Omanyala finished sixth in the men’s 100 metres in 10.02 seconds, continuing his return to form after a difficult spell on the circuit.

From Paris

Kenyan athletes produced a mixed but encouraging set of performances on the international stage, with podium finishes for Jacob Krop and Edmund Serem offering positives alongside a rebuilding run from Ferdinand Omanyala.

Ferdinand Omanyala finished sixth in the men’s 100 metres in 10.02 seconds, continuing his return to form after a difficult spell on the circuit.

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In the longer distances, Kenya enjoyed stronger results. Jacob Krop delivered a season’s best performance to finish second in the men’s 5,000 metres in 12:55.22, narrowly missing out in a tightly contested finish.

Krop reflected on the race, saying, “The race was good all the way until I neared the finish. I did not expect there was someone besides me, but I managed the second position.”

Jacob Krop produced a strong late surge to finish second in the men's 5,000m at the Paris Diamond League in 12:54.80. He described it as a strong race and admitted he was surprised by the late challenge, saying he had not expected anyone to still be in contention in the closing… pic.twitter.com/l8mfdZxrgD

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 28, 2026

In the men's 3,000m steeplechase, Edmund Serem secured a podium finish in third place with 8:08.54, using the race as an important test ahead of future targets.

“The race was good. I was using it to test my fitness and current form as I prepare to race in Monaco, where I target to run under eight minutes. I came in the race eyeing a podium position, and I got it,” Serem said.

Speaking after finishing third in the men's 3,000m steeplechase at the Paris Diamond League in 8:08.54, Kenyan runner Edmund Serem said the race served as a test of his fitness and current form.
He added that he is now focused on the Monaco Diamond League, where he is targeting… pic.twitter.com/gNZ47SPVbq

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 28, 2026

Abraham Kibiwot also featured in the steeplechase, clocking 8:14.43 in a competitive field.

The standout performance of the meeting came in the men’s 400 metres, where Botswana's Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to victory in 43.54 seconds, setting both a meeting record and a Diamond League benchmark.

Kebinatshipi also praised his execution and season form, saying he had targeted the meeting record and delivered even faster than expected.

“It was a good race. My goal was to break the meeting record, and I'm delighted to have gone even faster. This is my season, and I'm enjoying every race,” he said.

South Africa’s Zakithi Nene finished second in a season-best time of 43.89, while Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga placed fifth in 44.29.

"Great outing in Meeting de Paris Wanda Diamond League! Backing running sub 44s. Couldn’t ask for more," Nene said.

In the men’s 100 metres, South Africa’s Akani Simbine narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 9.97 seconds in a tightly packed sprint final.

The 3,000m steeplechase also featured strong African representation. Ethiopia’s Gemechu Godana took second place in 8:05.86, with compatriots Samuel Firemu (fourth, 8:09.13), Abrham Sime (seventh, 8:13.48), and Hailemariyam Amare (18th, 8:32.74) rounding out a busy night for Ethiopia in the event.