Omanyala breaks silence after securing second sub-10 performance of 2026 at Kip Keino Classic
Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s quickest man, has commented on his improved performances after he delivered another impressive run below the 10-second mark in 2026, storming to victory in the men’s 100m at the Kip Keino Classic on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a season-best time of 9.96.
This marked his second time dipping below 10 seconds this season, having previously achieved the feat at a meet in Addis Ababa, where the Commonwealth Games champion of 2022 clocked 9.98, his first such performance in more than two years.
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Earlier in the year, he had launched his campaign at the Cape Miller Continental Tour event in South Africa on April 10, cruising to victory with a time of 10.19.
Omanyala delighted
Following his triumph in Nairobi, Omanyala expressed delight at once again breaking the 10-second barrier, while emphasizing his ambition to push even further. “Definitely I wanted a sub-10 seconds. I am looking for a world lead soon,” he said.
The fastest time globally this season currently stands at 9.89, recorded by Collen Kebinatshipi during the Botswana National Championships on April 3.
Beyond the stopwatch, the win held extra meaning for the Kenyan star, who reclaimed the Kip Keino Classic title after falling short in the previous two editions. “I’m excited and relieved about that race because we have lost it twice in a row. It was just important to get it back,” he added.
Competing under floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium brought a different feel to the race for the sprinter. “Today was spectacular. I felt like a night runner but it was really good.”
Memorable moments
Omanyala’s history at the Kip Keino Classic has been filled with memorable moments. During his first appearance in 2021, he clocked an African record of 9.77 but finished second behind Trayvon Bromell, who edged him with 9.76.
He returned strongly in 2022, winning in 9.85 ahead of Fred Kerley (9.92) and Isaiah Young (10.13). The following year, he successfully defended his title with a 9.84 performance, again finishing ahead of Kenneth Bednarek (9.98) and Marvin Bracy-Williams (10.03).
However, the two most recent editions had been challenging, with the 30-year-old placing fifth in 2024 (10.03) and third in 2025 (10.07), making his latest victory a significant return to form.
Rivaldo Roberts finished in second place after posting 10.12, while Aaron Brown claimed third in 10.15, as Omanyala showcased his signature late burst on the Nyayo track.
