Ferdinand Omanyala: Africa’s Fastest Man Storms to Victory at ASA Grand Prix 1 in South Africa

• Ferdinand Omanyala narrowly missed hitting a sub-10 in his first of two races in South Africa
• His time of 10.12 seconds was, however, enough to win the ASA Grand Prix at Tuks Stadium
• The Commonwealth champion is preparing for the World Athletics Championships in August

Ferdinand Omanyala began his outdoor season in brilliant fashion by clocking a time of 10.12 seconds in the first leg of the ASA Grand Prix Series in South Africa.

The continent's fastest man headlined the World Athletics Continental Tour meeting at Tuks Athletics Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday evening.

Omanyala floored a field of 7 other participants, but will be disappointed with the fact that he did not bring his time to below 10 seconds.

Local teenager Benjamin Richardson came in second with a time of 10.33 seconds, while Roberts Rivaldo completed the podium with 10.34 seconds.

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The other Kenyan in the line-up Samwel Imeta finished fourth with 10.39 seconds.

Speaking after the race, the 27-year-old Omanyala said:

"A win is always a win. In anything you celebrate. We really wanted to do a sub-10. Every race counts but on to the next. We hope it will be faster. Still targeting a sub 10 in the next race."

What next for Omanyala?

Omanyala will now continue with his preparations for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest later this year, with the second leg of the ASA Grand Prix at Germinstone next week.

Afterwards, he will head to the Golden Grand Prix in Gaborone, Botswana, on April 29 before taking part in the Atlanta City Games in the USA on 6th May.

The African record holder will conclude the first leg of his tour with a home race at the Kip Keino Classic on May 13th.

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Omanyala to race in the Diamond League

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported that Omanyala has confirmed that he will compete in the lucrative Diamond League events this year.

The 2023 Diamond League season will kick off on May 5 in Doha, with the United States of America set to host its first-ever final at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Omanyala will grace a number of the scheduled events, as reported by Lynne Wachira from BBC Sports. The Commonwealth Champion also revealed he was invited last year but opted to prioritise the Africa Athletics Championships that were held in Mauritius.