Omanyala sets new national record, misses finals by a whisker

Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 10.00 to finish third in heat one of the 100m semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics breaking his own national record. He however failed to make it to the finals by a whisker.

The second year, University of Nairobi student took to Instagram after the race on Sunday, August 1, 2021, to express his delight of being part of the Olympics and the joy of beating his idol, Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake.

“It’s been by far the best championship I have ever run in my whole life. I am even lost for words to express how I am feeling right now. Two national records (10.01/10.00) in two days at the Olympic games. Beating my idol. Running the eighth fastest time going into the finals,” he wrote. “Thanks to the Almighty God. Thanks to all the companies that came in to support this dream. Thanks to all the people who have been behind this performance. Cheers to second chances!”

Well done Omanyala!