Omanyala equals national record as he reaches 100m semi-finals

Ferdinand Omanyala and part of Kenya's athletics team to Tokyo who qualified uring the national trials for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at The Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani, June 19, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

100m national record holder Ferdinand Omanyala equalled the national record as he qualified for the semi-finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Omanyala clocked 10.01 which also equalled his personnel best in finishing third in heat one won by Canada’s Andre de Grasse.

Mark Otieno (left) and Ferdinand Omanyala celebrating their victory after clocking 10.05 and 10.02 respectively in the Men's 100meters finals during trials for Tokyo olympic games at Kasarani stadium, June 17, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

After the good run in the heats Omanyala thinks he can run even faster.

“I think I can run faster in the semi-finals tomorrow (Sunday),” Omanyala said after his race.

Omanyala was the lone ranger for Kenya in the 100m heats after Mark Otieno was suspended hours to the heats.

Otieno was found guilty of doping violation.