Omanyala, Akani Simbine set to face off in Monaco

African record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala, is set to face off against predecessor holder Akani Simbine in what promises to be an epic showdown in a thrilling 100-metre race at the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco today.

Simbine has been on a winning streak, besting reigning World champion Fred Kerley in a photo-finish at the Silesia Diamond League, Poland last weekend, securing his second successive victory this year, after clocking 9.97 seconds.

Simbine’s impressive performance catapulted him to the top of the Diamond League Standings with 28 points. Kerley is second with 23 points whereas Omanyala is third-placed with 20 points.

Omanyala did not take part in Poland’s meeting. However, he has been in three Diamond League races: in Rabat (Morocco), Florence (Italy) and Paris (France). Omanyala and Simbine’s rivalry dates back to 2021 when Omanyala edged out the South African in the Diamond League Meeting in Brussels.

Their competition continued this season, with each claiming victory in different races.
In the Diamond League Meeting in Rabat, Morocco, Simbine finished with a times of 9.99 sec (position 2) ahead of Omanyala (position 3) who timed 10.05 sec. In that race, Kerley stormed into victory with a time of 9.94 sec.

As the two sprinters (Omanyala and Simbine) head to Monaco, they are both in excellent form and eager to showcase their abilities at the upcoming World Championships.

However, they are not the only ones looking to shine on the track. Botswanan sensation, Letsile Tebogo, is also expected to challenge the African record holder during the event.

Meanwhile, reigning Istanbul Half Marathon champion and 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, has sparked renewed calls for teamwork in Kenya’s men’s 5,000m and 10,000m races.

Ebenyo, who will be competing in the 5,000m at the World Championships in Budapest, believes that selfish interests among athletes have contributed to Kenya’s gold medal drought in long-distance races on the global stage.

Ebenyo emphasized the importance of unity among athletes, stating that individual ambitions should not overshadow the collective goal of winning medals for the country. He pointed out that Ethiopia and Uganda’s success in distance races is attributed to their teamwork and tactical approach.

Kenya has not won a gold medal in the men’s 5,000m at the World Championships since Benjamin Limo’s victory in 2005. Before that, the country had enjoyed six championships in the event, courtesy of Yobes Ondieki, Ismael Kirui, Daniel Komen, and Eliud Kipchoge. In the men’s 10,000m, Kenya has been without a gold medal for 21 years.

At the upcoming World Championships, Athletics Kenya has selected Nicholas Kimeli, Jacob Krop, Daniel Ebenyo, and Cornelius Kemboi to compete in the 5,000m event. Ebenyo’s call for teamwork serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving success at the global stage.

As the Diamond League meeting in Monaco commences today, the world eagerly awaits the clash between Omanyala and Simbine, while Ebenyo’s plea for teamwork resonates with the hopes of restoring Kenya’s former glory in long-distance racing.