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Omanyala lays down targets for 2026 World Relays in Botswana
01st May, 2026 03:50 PM
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has revealed his targets of running another personal best as he eyes securing Kenya’s relay teams a slot in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship and the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027.
Speaking in Gaborone on Friday, May 1, 2026, Omanyala, who anchors the 4x100m men’s and 4x100m mixed teams, said he was looking forward to the races, with continuous improvement being his primary goal.
Great competition
“Of course, we are here and looking forward to the relays. We are prepared and expect great competition. Our goal is to reach the finals and qualify for the World Championships next year and the Ultimate Championship this year. After that, we can chase the medals,” he stated.
The Kenyan star heads into the relay event on a high, having recorded two sub-10-second performances in recent individual 100m races.
Omanyala emerged as the winner of the Addis Ababa Grand Prix 100 m final on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Ethiopia, crossing the line in a blistering 9.98 seconds. That performance was his first sub-9.90 pace since running 9.88 in Poland in 2024.
He secured his second sub-10 performance of 2026 shortly after, clocking a season-best 9.96 to power to victory in the men’s 100m on the Continental Tour of Kip Keino Classics.
He reckons he will be seeking to maintain this fine form as he targets a new season best once more.
Hopeful
“I am hoping for a season best. I always look forward to improving every time, and I am hopeful,” he added.
He also praised his reception in Botswana, attributing the warm welcome to his past visits to the budding athletics nation. “I have been here every year for the last couple of years. It has always felt like home, and it seems everyone knows me here,” he explained.
Omanyala will be joined by Ronald Kiprono Koech, Mark Otieno Odhiambo, Moses Wasike Onyango, Elkana Kiprotich Sabila, Dennis Wangui Mwai, Meshack Kitsubuli Babu, Samuel Waweru Chege, and Steve Odhiambo Onyango in the two relay squads.
