Ferdinand Omanyala Sets New African Record at Atlanta City Games but Loses to Noah Lyles

• Ferdinand Omanyala lowered the African record in the 150 metres race at the Atlanta City Games
• The fastest man in Africa could, however, not hold on for a win, finishing third in his debut race
• It was a decent start for Omanyala, but he faded towards the end in a race won by Noah Lyles

Ferdinand Omanyala lost his first race of the outdoor season after he finished third at the inaugural Atlanta City Games at Centennial Olympic Park on Sunday morning.

Omanyala participated in the 150 metres and began in brilliant fashion. However, he was beaten towards the end, with World 200 metres champion Noah Lyles and bronze medallist Erriyon Knighton finishing first and second, respectively.

The African champion clocked 14.89 seconds to set a new African record over the distance breaking the 14.99 seconds set by Frankie Fredericks of Namibia in 1993.

PSG to discipline Messi over Saudi trip: club source

Football

Lyles used 14.56 seconds, with Knighton using 14.85 seconds.

This was the first time Omanyala competed in the 150 metres, taking a small break from his preferred 100 metres to test his top-end speed.

It has been a phenomenal start to the season for the Commonwealth Champion. Before the May 6 games, Omanyala won two ASA Grands Prix in South Africa before running an insane 9.79 at the Gaborone Continental Gold Tour in Botswana last week.

Speaking after the race, the 27-year-old expressed his satisfaction in breaking the African record.

"The mission was to come here and run fast. I am glad to have broken the African record. Thank you to everyone for the support," said Omanyala as he applauded the sizeable Kenyan fans at the Olympic Park.

Openda goal keeps Lens on course for Champions League

Football

The African record holder now returns home for the highly-anticipated Kip Keino Classic on May 13. Top of the agenda will be trying to lower his African record of 9.77 seconds in the 100 metres.

Omanyala's wife discusses their journey

When Omanyala stormed into the semi-finals of the 100-metre event of the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021, many thought he would be a passing facade.

Nearly 18 months later, the 27-year-old brought the African record down to 9.77 seconds, won the African title, and then claimed the Commonwealth title.

Sports Brief conducted an exclusive interview with Omanyala's wife, Laventa Amutavi, who gave insight into how her husband became Africa's fastest man.