Omanyala: I want to beat Gatlin at Kasarani
Sports
By
Elvince Joshua
| Sep 09, 2021
Ferdinand Omanyala, Kenya’s reigning national record holder in men’s 100 metres, says he is optimistic to win against American sprinter Justin Gatlin in a contest to be held at the Kasarani Stadium on September 18.
In an exclusive interview with The standard on Thursday after organisers of Kip Keino Classic confirmed that Gatlin, a five-time Olympic medalist who has two world titles to his name, will be competing in Kenya for the first time in his athletics career, Omanyala declared that he wants to beat the former World champion.
Kip Keino Classic is part of Gold Label World Continental Tour.
Omanyala, an Olympic semi-finalist in Tokyo, has been on a scintillating form this season, shattering records in the process.
READ MORE
Harness nuclear science to quench thirst of water-starved populations
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
About 420 families face eviction from disputed 63-acre prime land
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
Judge extends orders on Sh4.6 billion land as woman distances herself from invasion
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
MPs call for probe on KRA's HIV tests and skewed hiring
He recently beat legendary Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake in Japan, where he became the first Kenyan to reach the Olympic semis.
But while he relishes the chance of racing against Gatlin, a 12-time World Championship medalist, Omanyala says he is looking forward to ending Gatlin’s career at Kasarani.
“He has not been in his best form of late. I’m hoping to run a sub-10; I want to beat him at home,” Omanyala told The Standard.
Gatlin, a double world champion in both 100m and 200m (2005, 2017/19) respectively, won his only Olympic gold medal in 100m in 2004 Athens Olympics.
Are you feeling the excitement?!
The ="https://twitter.com/hashtag/100m?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#100m< race is gonna be lit ????
Kenya's fastest man- Ferdinand Omanyala????????
2-time world 100m champion- Justin Gatlin????????
World leader- Trayvon Bromell ????????
Who will be crowned the fastest man on Sept 18th?="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KipkeinoClassic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KipkeinoClassic< ="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ContinentalTourGold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ContinentalTourGold< ="https://t.co/aK5XtmLpcE">pic.twitter.com/aK5XtmLpcE< — Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour (@KipKeinoClassic) ="https://twitter.com/KipKeinoClassic/status/1435603834529845253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021<
“We are excited to announce a strong field in the men's 100m for the Kip Keino Classic on September 18. Ferdinand Omanyala will be seeking victory on home soil as the 100m debuts at Kipkeino Classic,” Barnabas Koris, the Meet’s Director said.
Trayvon Bromell, an American who won bronze at the 2015 World Championship, will also be taking part in the competition alongside Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali.
Bakkali denied Kenya an Olympic gold in the men's 3,000m Steeplechase in Tokyo after Kenya’s 39-year dominance in the category.
Bromell currently has the world-leading time of 9.77 in 100m race.
Omanyala made his ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/athletics/2001422566/omanyala-finishes-fourth-at-diamond-league-debut-in-brussels">Diamond League debut The one-day event will take place in Zagreb, just four days before the Nairobi showdown.
Relentless Man City keep pressure on Arsenal in Premier League title race
City are a point behind Arsenal but with a game in hand.
Kenyans clubs spike their way to knockout stage in Egypt
Kenya Pipeline qualifies for quarterfinals in Africa Club Championships.
Ladak fires 71 nett to win Kerrs memorial tourney at Vet Labs
Hiral Shah, playing off handicap 13, was the Best Sponsor prize winner with a 72 nett.
Kenya Chipu win Barthes Trophy to qualify for World Rugby U20 Trophy
Chipu stunned Zimbabwe Junior Sables 28-13.
Arsenal survive Spurs fightback to boost title charge
A five-goal thriller win lifted Arsenal to four points clear at the top.