Omanyala impressed with fast season start
Africa’s 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala has credited his quick start in the season to his debut participation at the World Indoor Tour that saw him shatter the national record twice.
On Saturday Omanyala was at his supreme best as he won his race during the third Athletics Kenya Track and Field Meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium.
He clocked a new stadium record of 10.00 seconds en route to winning the men’s 100m race.
“I think I have improved a lot with my start which I have been working on during the World Indoor Tour and I hope to improve further as I head for the World Indoor Championships,” said Omanyala who was making a return to the outdoor action after competing at the World Indoor Tour in France where he achieved a new national record of 6.57 seconds over the 60m race.
Same mistakes
The 26-year-old said he hopes to build on the performance ahead of a busy outdoor campaign that will culminate in the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, both events slated for this summer.
“Previously during this time of the year, I was running 10:27 or something close, so I think this is a very good start to the season. I am looking forward to running fast this season. You will see the real me in May,” added Omanyala who holds the national and African record of 9.77 seconds.
Ahead of the World Indoor Championships due for March 18-20 in Belgrade, Serbia, Omanyala is aiming higher.
“I feel I can take it a notch higher, I feel I can go under 6.57 in Belgrade,” he stated.
In other races, Japan-based Margaret Akidor needed a precise kick in the last 150m to edge favourite world junior champion Teresiah Gateri in the women’s 5000m.
Akidor clocked 15:26.18 with Gateri settling for second in 15:29.43 while Rebecca Mwangi came home third in 15:32.46.
“I vowed not to make the same mistakes I did last time, so I improved on my finishing power,” said Akidor.
The meet was initially slated for Embu before it was brought to Nyayo Stadium.
The fourth and final weekend meeting will be held in two weeks time at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County.
