It was a disappointing outing for Omanyala, who had previously beaten Bednarek in 2022 and 2023. This time, he finished a distant 5th place (10.03), resulting in an anticlimax and disappointment
America’s Kenneth Bednarek ended Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala’s reign at the Kipkeino Classic on Saturday, beating him to win the race in 9.91 seconds.
While Omanyala faltered at home, it was a Merry moment for Mary Moraa, who set a championship record with a clean gold in the women’s 800m final. Moraa clocked 1:57.96 to reclaim her Kipkeino crown in sterling fashion, beating Nelly Chepchirchir (1:58.26) to second place and World Indoor 800m Bronze medallist Vivian Chebet to 3rd (1:58.93).
It was a disappointing outing for Omanyala, who had previously beaten Bednarek in 2022 and 2023. This time, he finished a distant 5th place (10.03), resulting in an anticlimax and disappointment for his anxious home fans.
Liberia’s Emmanuel Matadi finished second in 9.99 seconds, while Britain’s Jeremiah Azu finished third in 10 seconds.
Omanyala’s teammate, Mark Otieno, finished in sixth place in 10.22 seconds. Ali Chituru finished fourth, while Dorian Camel and Arthur Cisse tied for 5th place.
Speaking after the race at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Omanyala said it is a great lesson and an opportunity to train harder ahead of the Olympics.
Omanyala’s next race has been confirmed to be at the World Athletics Relay Championships in the Bahamas on the weekend of 5th and 6th May.