Ferdinand Omanyala showcased his resilience and speed as he claimed his first global victory of the season at the ASA Grand Prix II in Johannesburg. Despite a slow start, Africa’s fastest man surged forward in the final stretch to secure a season’s best time of 10.08 seconds on Wednesday night.
Omanyala had a challenging outing in Pretoria during the ASA Grand Prix I, where he finished third in 10.22 seconds. He was determined to bounce back after being beaten by South African teenager Karabo Letebe at the Pliditch Stadium. This time, he made no mistake, ensuring he finished on top with a commanding performance in Johannesburg.
The Kenyan sprinter had to dig deep after a slow reaction at the start. As the race progressed, he found another gear in the last 40 meters, powering past his rivals to cross the finish line first. South African duo Tsebo Matsoso and Bradley Nkoana finished closely behind, with Matsoso clocking 10.12 seconds and Nkoana following in 10.16 seconds.
Kenya’s Mark Otieno also showed improvement, securing a fifth-place finish in 10.30 seconds. This was a step up from his performance in Pretoria, where he had clocked 10.39 seconds.
For Omanyala, this victory was not just about winning a race but also about regaining his rhythm and confidence. The 29-year-old is aiming for a strong 2025 season after a somewhat underwhelming 2024. His decision to skip the World Indoor Championships was strategic, as he is focusing entirely on outdoor events. His next race will be at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in Gaborone on April 12.
With this win, Omanyala has sent a strong message that he is regaining top form. His time in South Africa serves as a crucial confidence booster as he prepares for the major events ahead. The sprinter is now setting his sights on running a sub-10-second race in upcoming competitions, with his ultimate goal being an impressive showing at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, this September.
Omanyala’s performance in Johannesburg highlights his ability to overcome setbacks and finish strong. As the season progresses, he will be looking to fine-tune his speed and technique, ensuring he is at his peak when the biggest competitions arrive. With his unwavering determination and raw sprinting power, he remains one of the top contenders to watch in the global sprinting scene.
