Ferdinand Omanyala is determined to secure victory at the ASA Grand Prix II in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday after a disappointing performance in Pretoria.
Africa’s fastest man did not have an ideal start to his South African campaign this year, finishing third at the opening ASA Grand Prix in Pretoria last Wednesday with a time of 10.22 seconds at the Pliditch Stadium.
South Africa’s 18-year-old Karabo Letebe delivered a personal best of 10.19 seconds to claim victory, narrowly edging out compatriot Emile Erasmus, who recorded the same time but lost in a photo finish.
Looking to put last week’s setback behind him, Omanyala is relying on improved weather conditions in Johannesburg to help him perform better. His manager, Marcel Viljoen, has expressed optimism about the sprinter’s chances, noting that the cooler temperatures could create favorable sprinting conditions.
Omanyala has enjoyed success in South Africa in the past two years, and despite his slow start in Pretoria, he remains focused on making a strong comeback. A victory in Johannesburg would boost his confidence ahead of his next event, the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in Gaborone on April 12.
The 29-year-old sprinter is eager to recapture the form he displayed in 2023, which saw him emerge as a medal prospect at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. However, he finished seventh in the final and was unable to claim a podium spot.
His 2024 season did not meet expectations, as he missed out on the Diamond League final and was eliminated in the semi-finals at the Olympics. With those disappointments behind him, Omanyala is keen to make a strong statement in 2025 and prove his credentials once again.
In Johannesburg, Omanyala will face off against familiar competition, including fellow Kenyan Mark Otieno, who finished fourth in Pretoria with a time of 10.30 seconds. The event presents another opportunity for Omanyala to assert his dominance in African sprinting and build momentum for the rest of the season.
A strong performance in Johannesburg will not only boost Omanyala’s confidence but also set the tone for the upcoming events leading to major competitions later in the year. As he prepares for this crucial race, his focus remains on refining his technique and delivering a performance that reaffirms his status as Africa’s fastest man.
