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The Nairobian

Ferdinand Omanyala breaks national record, but fails to make finals

Athletics

By Bismarck Mutahi in Tokyo, Japan | Aug 01, 2021

**Ferdinand Omanyala clocks 10.00secs to break national record, coming third in Heat One of the 100m semis** [photo courtesy]

100m national record holder Ferdinand Omanyala continued with his fairy run tale at the Tokyo Olympics as he broke his own national record during the semi-finals on Sunday.

Omanyala set a new national record of 10.00 as he dipped across the line to beat the likes of former world champion Yohan Blake of Jamaica in the first heat of the semi-final in finishing in the third spot.

USA’s Fred Kerley won the heat in 9.96, but Omanyala was separated by Canada’s Andre de Grasse in the second position by a photo finish. The Canadian clocked 9.98.

His record-breaking run was however not good enough for the semi-finals.

The third heat of the semi-finals was much faster with the top four athletes all dipping under 10 seconds which meant the Kenyan could not book one of the two fastest losers positions.

Omanyala was over the moon with the national record and more so his general show in Tokyo.

"I am happy to make my mother proud. She brought me to this world and I am now shaking it. Beating Yohan Blake, my idol, is something I will cherish for a very long time," he said.