Omanyala with cryptic motivational message ahead of sub-10 attempt in Germiston

Ferdinand Omanyala won the 2022 Commonwealth title in Birmingham

ATHLETICS Omanyala with cryptic motivational message ahead of sub-10 attempt in Germiston

Joel Omotto • 15:50 - 15.04.2023

Africa’s fastest man is gearing up for back-to-back victories on South African soil next week

Ferdinand Omanyala has sought to motivate himself ahead of the second leg of the ASA Grand Prix Series in Germiston, South Africa on Wednesday.

Africa’s fastest man will seek to run his first official sub-10 in Germiston after missing his target in the opening round in Pretoria last week when he clocked 10.12 seconds to claim victory at the Tuks Stadium.

Omanyala seems to be confident of another win and a faster time, even if home favourite Akani Simbine, the Africa and Commonwealth silver medalist, decides to feature in the race.

“I live for such moments when the finish line is just a breath away and victory is within reach,” Omanyala posted on Twitter.

“Far ahead that's where I am, beside (sic) me none to be seen. The track, a battle ground where races are won, lessons learnt. Life lived because it's all I breathe.”

After complaining of the cold slowing him down in Pretoria, the Africa and Commonwealth champion will be hoping for some favourable weather in Germiston to push him to his desired time.

A quick start will also be required, having come off the blocks slowly, while another good turnout of Kenyan fans, as witnessed last week, can further add to his motivation.

Omanyala has already run a sub-10 this year when he clocked the fastest 100m in 2023 by setting a mark of 9.81 at the Athletics Kenya Track and Field meeting in February, but his time did not include a wind recording.

He has begun the season in good form by setting a Kenyan national record of 6.54 in the 60m indoor sprint in France in February before the 9.81 in Nairobi.

Omanyala will also feature in this season’s Diamond League but it is hoped that he will already be running sub-10 at the time, as he gears up for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August.