Omanyala wants faster time in semis as he aims at capturing Commonwealth gold
Ferdinand Omanyala believes that it is his moment to shine as he aims at claiming his first ever global medal in the 100 metres.
Omanyala sailed to Wednesday’s semi final after winning Heat 5 of the 100 metres in a time of 10.07 seconds to finish ahead of Cameroonian Eseme Emmanuel who came in second in a time of 10.08 seconds.
With the just concluded World Athletics championships ghosts firmly behind him, Omanyala 26,says he is fully focused on seeing the job done as he aims at bagging his first ever global medal.
Omanyala endured a torrid time earlier on this month in Oregon, arriving three hours to competition, finishing third in his heat before falling of in the semis won by the eventual silver medalist Marvin Bracy.
“My body feels fine hence I will be going for two sub 10 seconds and the title. The track is fine and fast, not the one that makes you lactic in the 100m,” said Omanyala after the race.
“I am excited and looking forward to tomorrow to see what time I will clock.”
“It is simply amazing and what any athlete would want to have. Such receptive fans make me run fast.”
Omanyala is wary of the challenge posed by South African sprinter Akani Simbine with the two having already met at the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Mauritius in June.
“I know Simbine is around but I am confident and healthy, focusing on nothing short of victory. Tell Kenyans I am winning gold tomorrow,” said Omanyala, who is the fastest in the field with a personal best of 9.85 sec.”
“Today was a heat so I can't really go full pace on heats, I hope tomorrow will be better. I'm really looking forward to going below 10 seconds and winning gold. Today was all about feeling my body because I haven't competed fully for like a month because Oregon was not good at all.
The most important thing was having a feel at the stadium and feeling the energy inside which was there I have to admit and tomorrow I'm coming to run knowing what to expect,” added Omanyala.
The semi-final race takes place on Wednesday 9:10pm. Another Kenyan Samuel Imeta is also poised to race in the semis.
