Athletics

Record-breaking performances propel Omanyala and Wanyonyi to Paris Olympics

Ferdinand Omanyala (C) Team Kenya

By Rama Mohammed | Saturday, June 15, 2024

Omanyala ran world-leading 100m time as Emmanuel Wanyonyi broke the 800m record on the final day of the Kenya Olympics trials at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Ferdinand Omanyala brought the Nyayo National Stadium to a standstill as he raced to a personal best of 9.79 seconds in the 100m, marking a world-leading time and securing his spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This stunning performance makes Omanyala the only Kenyan sprinter to hit the Olympic qualifying mark of 10.00 seconds.

The Commonwealth Games champion dominated the field, finishing ahead of Mark Otieno Odhiambo, who clocked 10.12, and Meshack Babu, who finished in 10.20.

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"It feels nice because initially, I told people, let's handle it as it comes and trust the process; we are going to peak in July or August," Omanyala said after the race. "From here, we'll go back to the Olympics camp to do repetitive reps. I am pleased that I improved my time from yesterday."

It's becoming a routine over here for @Ferdiomanyala 😤💪once again he wins the 100m men finals with an unofficial time of 9.80. Mbele iko sawa 🫡🫵🏃‍♂️‍➡️ congratulations again on raising the #TeamKenya flag higher. Twende Paris 🇫🇷#HesabikanaMabingwa 🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/2wVnsJENMn
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) June 15, 2024

Otieno, who narrowly missed the qualifying time, is now focusing on the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

"The season has been tough, but I knew something positive was going to happen today. Now we shift focus to the African Championship," he said. "Running 10.00 looks like a Goliath, but there is a David in between. I have not run nine seconds yet, but I believe it is going to come."

Wanyonyi dazzles

In a spectacular 800-metre final, Emmanuel Wanyonyi followed suit by clocking 1:41.70, the fastest time ever recorded in Africa for his specialty. This performance ensured Wanyonyi's automatic qualification for his first Olympics. Wanyonyi's journey to the final featured a dramatic appeal following his tripping in the semifinals yesterday, which led to a last-place finish but his appeal was successful.

Running with the leading pack for the first 600 metres, Wanyonyi unleashed a powerful surge with 200 metres to go, pulling away from rivals including Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal and Koitatoi Kidali. Kinyamal finished second with a commendable time of 1:42.50, securing another automatic slot at the Paris Games. Kidali, with a time of 1:42.66, is now in prime position to be selected for Team Kenya, ahead of Africa silver medalist Alex Ngeno.

THIRD FASTEST EVER 🙌

🇰🇪's Emmanuel Wanyonyi with an incredible performance in the 800m at the Kenyan Olympic Trials

Wanyonyi's 1:41.70 is the fastest time since 2012. Only David Rudisha and Wilson Kipketer have gone faster 👏

Less than a second off the world record... 👀 pic.twitter.com/4x5QaiQST9
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) June 15, 2024

"I ran with a swollen foot after yesterday's fall and did not want to make a similar mistake." I am pleased to have won and qualified. The straightforward part is over; there is more to do as we head to the Olympics. We need all the support," Wanyonyi said after the race.

The incredible performances by Omanyala and Wanyonyi at Nyayo not only highlighted their immense talent but also underscored their determination and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic debut in Paris.

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