Kenya’s 100m wonder boy, Ferdinand Omanyala, today, Saturday 3rd August, cruised into the 100 semis after winning his heat. He comfortably outpaced his tough opponents at the Stade de France.
The fastest man in Africa clocked 10.08 secs in the second heat. He edged out Italy’s Ali Chituru and Jack Hurtmann who finished second and third in 10.12secs and 10.16secs respectively. He is set to line up in the semi-finals set for 7.30 pm, on Saturday.
With a season-best of 9.79sec, Omanyala aims to maximize his performance surpass his Tokyo outcome, and reach the Paris Olympics finals. Omanyala’s time of 9.79 sec is the second fastest time in the world in the 100 meters.
The African record holder is looking to clinch a place in the finals after suffering elimination in the semifinal at Tokyo 2020. His third-place finish in his heat didn’t qualify him among the two finishers with the fastest times. His Paris gold campaign has started well with an automatic qualification position.
Bad Day In the Office
Omanyala’s win comes as a consolation after Kenya failed to win any medal in the men’s 10,000 meters final and our 4×400 mixed relay team suffered elimination in heats.
The second day of the athletics program at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has started well and the country hopes to win several medals, given that athletics are Kenya’s strong hand.
Kenya’s representatives in 1500 metres: Timothy Cheruiyot, Brian Komen, and Reynold Kipkorir have sailed through to the semis. On the other hand, women’s 5000 meters representatives: Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Margaret Chelimo also did so in their respective category.
A Battle Of Titans
Jamaican world leader Kishane Thompson came out on top in his heat in 10.00secs. Other finalists in the category are:
- Benjamin Azamati (GH)- 10.08 secs
- Reynaldo Espinosa (CU)- 10.1 1 secs
- Louie Henchcliff (GB)- 9.98 secs
- Noah Lyles (USA)- 10.04 secs
- Akini Simbine (SA)- 10.03 secs
- Black Ackeem (JA)- 10.06 secs
- Shaun Masangwanyi (SA)- 10.06 secs
Marcell Lament Jacobs, the Olympic 100m champion, came in second in his heat with 10.05 secs behind Ajayi Akinosha who came in top with 10.02 secs.
The 100m semi-finals are scheduled to take place today at 7.30 pm.
