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Kenya, known more for the middle and long-distance running prowess than anything, found themselves cheering for a domestic sprinter who ran to a 9.85 finish time. Ferdinand Omanyala won the Absa Kip Keino Classic Saturday in Kasarani at Moi International Stadium defeating Americans Fred Kerley and Isiah Young. The two ran 9.92 and 10.13, respectively.
“Bring on the World Championships and Commonwealth Games,” said Omanyala as Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta cheered on.
The performance is the world lead for 2022, by the 26-year-old.
“GREATER IS JESUS IN ME THAN HE THAT’S IN THE WORLD”
— Ferdinand Omurwa OMANYALA (@Ferdiomanyala) May 7, 2022
9⃣.8⃣5⃣ World Lead.
Thanks team. We give God glory and focus on the next assignment. Thanks to everyone out there who believes in me. @adidas@adidasrunning
@ffa_sportsman pic.twitter.com/0vBPii05z7
Italian Marcell Jacobs, who is the Tokyo Olympic Champion, did not start the race, instead, he was admitted to the hospital for severe gastrointestinal issues.
Omanyala owns a best of 9.77 from the same meet last year, where he finished in second place to American Trayvon Bromell who won in the time of 9.76.