Omanyala breaks 17-year-old national record twice in France

Kenya's 100m sprint record holder Ferdinand Omanyala during an interview with Vybez radio at Standard group,Nairobi. September 25th,2021 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kenya Sportsman of the Year and Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has set a new national record time of 6.63 seconds on his debut in the 60 metres at World Indoor Tour's Miramas Meeting in France.

The Tokyo Olympics semifinalist broke the national record of 6.70 seconds that has been standing for the past 17 years twice.

He broke the 17-year-old national record in the heats where he clocked 6.65 before dipping it further to 6.63 in the final as he finished first.

Initially, Paulvince Obuon held the national record over the distance having clocked 6.70 seconds on January 28, 2005, at State College, United States.

Omanyala's time is also the fastest time run at the stadium having eclipsed the previous record of 6.68 set by Iranian Hassan Taftian in January last year.

We start with a win this season in the 60M dash.

6?.6?3?
Meeting record
Stadium record
National record. pic.twitter.com/JPRhBoiJ81 — Ferdinand Omurwa OMANYALA (@Ferdiomanyala) February 4, 2022

Currently, the African record is held by Ghanaian Leonard Myles-Mills at 6.45 seconds while American Christian Cole holds the world record of 6.34 seconds.

Omanyala will also compete at the Mondeville Meeting on February 9 and the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais in Paris on February 17.

The 26-year-old said he will be participating in the 60m to improve speed.