Omanyala puts world record in crosshairs

Ferdinand Omanyala celebrates winning the 100m final during the third AK track and field championship held at Nyayo Stadium yesterday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

It was a day that started with huge expectations. And it did not disappoint as the clash pitting Kenya’s track big shots lived up to its billing.

Africa men’s 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala was simply the meet’s showstopper as he set a world leading time in 100m.

Omanyala, who made it to the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympic Games, posted an impressive 10.0 seconds in 100m on the final day of the third leg of Athletics Kenya track and field meeting at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

Omanyala, pulled a fast one on Samuel Meya (10.36), Stephen Oluoch (10.55), Hesbon Ochieng (10.56), Robinson Motende (10.71), Stephen Onyango (10.77) and Tyson Juma (10.86).

Omanyala said the world indoor meetings helped him sharpen his speed.

“The world indoor meetings have been quite helpful. Imagine doing 60 metres at six seconds is no mean feat. I now want to prepare for World Athletics Championships (set for Eugene, Oregon in USA on July 15-27),” he said.

He now puts the world record mark of 9.58 seconds held by Jamaica’s Usain Bolt in his crosshairs.

“I long to run fast times this season…even I can attempt the world record. It is possible. The world record is still on my sight,” he said.

Little known Emmanuel Kiplagat stunned a quality line up to wear the men’s 10,000m in a brilliant 28:19.7 ahead of Collins Kones (28:21.2), Charles Kamau (28:23.6) and Edwin Seko (28:25.9).

Kiplagat seems to borrow counsel from American author Les Brown, who once said: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will still land among the stars.”

“I am aiming for the moon. If I miss it, I might hit on the stars which is the World Championships. So, you never know how it pan out,” said Kiplagat.

Margaret Akidor won the women’s 5,000m contest in (15:26.8), beating world U20 3000m champion Teresia Muthoni (15:29.4) and Rebecca Mwangi (15:32.2).

A determined Akidor, who lives in Japan, now has big dreams.

“I learnt from my mistakes in the first AK meeting to win this race. My finishing power was better today. I will travel back to Japan on March 27 to continue with my training because I want to sharpen my speed and work a little bit on endurance. I long to make the team to the World Championships,” said Akidor.

Maximila Imali, a member of the 2018 squad to Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, won the 100m showdown in 11.72 seconds ahead of Eunice Kadogo (11.92), Monica Safania (12:07) and Mercy Chebet (12.14).