Omanyala sets world leading time to claim victory at Botswana Golden Grand Prix

ATHLETICS Omanyala sets world leading time to claim victory at Botswana Golden Grand Prix

Abigael Wafula 16:50 - 29.04.2023

With the presence of Letsile Tebogo of Botswana in the race, Omanyala had to dig deep for the win.

Africa's 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala reigned supreme as he destroyed a strong field at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix to win the race in 9.78, just one decisecond behind his African record time of 9.77.

With the presence of reigning world under-20 champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana in the race, Omanyala had to dig deep for the win. 

The duo started off the blocks in an impressive way but with 60m to go, Omanyala was in a class of his own as he cruised to the finish line.

Tebogo was, however, forced to settle for second place on home soil after clocking 9.91. USA’s Kenny Bednarek placed third in 10.02.

Omanyala, 27, started his outdoor season on a high when he ran a world-leading time of 9.81 at the second Athletics Kenya weekend meet. However, the time he posted was rejected by World Athletics due to a faulty wind gauge.

He then went for his international tour in South Africa at the ASA Grand Prix where he bagged dominant wins in both races he competed in.

In the first, the former rugby player won the race in 10.12 and went ahead to lower his time in the second edition of the Grand Prix. He clocked 10.05 to cross the finish line.