Paris 2024: Omanyala, keep your chin up

Ferdinard Omanyala reacts during men's 100m semi-final on Sunday. [AFP]

Once again, Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala failed to sparkle in the sprints at the Olympic Games. Coming into the 2024 Olympic Games with the second fastest time of 9.79 this season, many expected the Commonwealth Games champion to go all the way to the finals.

However, that never came to pass as the former rugby winger exited the Games at the semifinals stage again, as Kenyans registered mixed results at the Stade de France on Sunday night.

The Commonwealth Games champion clocked 10.08, the same time he posted in the heats to finish a disappointing eighth position in the star-studded semis that was clinched by Jamaica's Kishane Thompson with 9.80, followed by Fred Kerley of the United States of America in 9.84.

This was almost a repeat of the Tokyo Games where the African champion was ranked third in his semis heat, setting a new personal best and national record of 10.00, but unfortunately failed sail through.

Noah Lyles of United States went on to claim a gold medal in a dramatic photo-finish final. He left the expectant crowd in the stadium stunned after posting a time of 9.79 in one of the most remarkable 100m Olympic finals that saw all the eight finalists race post a sub 10.

While Omanyala's performance generated mixed reactions on social media, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Secretary General Francis Mutuku quickly leapt to his defence urging athletics fans to be sensitive with their criticism.

"Omanyala really worked hard to be where he is now and needed it more, but unfortunately bad things happen at a big stage like Olympics. He was just unlucky," Mutuku said.

Omanyala's performance happened barely a few hours after another Kenyan sprinter Zablon Ekwam had failed to finish the 400m race on his debut after suffering a suspected hamstring injury.

Britain's Charles Dobson beat Belgian Alexander Doom (45.01) and Jevaughn Powell (45.12) to win the heat in 44.96. Though devastated, the 27-year-old athlete feels he has lived his dream of competing at the Olympics.

"It's unfortunate that I didn't finish the race due to injury, bit I'm glad to have achieved my dream of competing in the Olympics," said Ekwam.

While Omanyala and Ekwam have already been sent packing, Wiseman Were is eager to leave a mark in the competition as he prepares to race in the 400m hurdles semifinals (8:05pm).

Were sneaked into the semis as one of the three fastest losers yesterday at the Stade de France.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist clocked 48.58 to finish fifth in heat four that was won by Jamaican Clarke Roshawn.

"It has been a nice race. I have not made any mistakes and I have raced according to the plan. So, with that one step, I'm thankful, and moving into the next level aiming to push and get a slot in the final," said Were.