Omanyala upbeat ahead of Diamond League debut in Brussels

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala reacts after qualifying for Olympics semifinals. [Reuters]

Kenya’s 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala is bullish ahead of his Diamond League debut at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels on Friday.

The Olympic semi-finalist has been in fine form this year, breaking the Kenyan record consecutively, twice running 10.01, then 10.00 before breaching the 10 second barrier with a 9.86 run in Austria to become the first Kenyan to achieve this feat.

Omanyala is currently the joint second fastest African alongside Namibian legend Frankie Fredericks. Only South Africa's Akani Simbine with a time of 9.84 has run faster.

“I have been improving every month. My growth started in January. The pre-season I did helped me improve on my speed endurance and also I thank my coach Ducan Khaemba,” said Onyala.

“I am going to Brussels to have fun and to show the world that Kenya can sprint. I hope to break records God willing this week and let’s wait and see.”

Mary Moraa, will also make her debut at the Diamond League as she is set to run in the women's 800m race.