Kip Keino Classic: Ferdinand Omanyala breaks national record for the 5th time
Athletics
By
Odero Charles
| Sep 18, 2021
Ferdinand Omanyala on Saturday evening clocked 9.77s to break Kenya's 100m National record for the 5th time at the Kip Keino Classic at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani .
American Trayvon Bromwel won the race in 9.76 ahead of Omanyala's African record, with former Olympics 100m champion Justin Gatlin finishing third in 10.02.
Omanyala also smashed South Africa Akani Simbine's record of 9.84 seconds as well as his own national record that stood at 9.86 seconds.
"I have conquered Africa, next I'm going for the World record," Omanyala told Standard Sports.
"I promised my fans a good show and I'm happy I delivered."
World lead for the last meet of the season?="https://twitter.com/TrayvonBromell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TrayvonBromell<: "Alright ????"="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ContinentalTourGold?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ContinentalTourGold< ="https://twitter.com/KipKeinoClassic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kipkeinoclassic< ="https://t.co/jdApq3fzH4">pic.twitter.com/jdApq3fzH4< — Continental Tour Gold (@ContiTourGold) ="https://twitter.com/ContiTourGold/status/1439263419174109185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021<
Justin Gatlin was among the first people to pay tribute to Omanyala for his stellar performance.
"He used the hometown support really well. I believe Omanyala will be a force to reckon with," he said.
Gatlin, who has twice been banned for doping, failed to qualify for this year's Tokyo Games and was hoping to make amends in Kenya.
"I came from an injury with the hope of getting a win here," said Gatlin, adding he will take a long break to decide his future.
Asked if he planned to hang up his spikes soon, the 39 year-old said: "Hopefully let's wait and see what's in store for the new season."