Omanyala steals show to seal Paris Olympics ticket as women sprinters stumble

Ferdinand Omanyala brought the Nyayo National Stadium to a standstill as he raced clear to register a personal best of 9.79 to confirm his spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games champion, just as he did in Friday’s semifinals, was heads and shoulders above the rest of the field, finishing ahead of Mark Otieno Odhiambo who came second in 10.12, while Meshack Babu sealed the podium places in 10.20.

The result saw Omanyala remain the only Kenyan sprinter who has hit the Olympics qualifying mark of 10.00.

He also improved from his semi-final time of 10.09.

Speaking after the race, Omanyala noted that his performance was a result of meticulous planning over the months. He has been on a growth curve since the season kicked off.

"It feels nice because initially I told people, let's handle it as it comes and let's trust the process; we are going to pick in July or August,” Omanyala said. “From here, we will go back to the Olympics camp to do repetitive reps. I am happy that I improved my time from yesterday.”

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On the other hand, Otieno, who missed the qualifying time by a whisker, noted that all was not lost.

He is now shifting his focus to the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

"The season has been tough but I knew that something good was going to happen today. Now we shift focus to the African Championship,” he said. “It is not the end of the world. Running 10.00 looks like a Goliath, but there is a David in between. I have not run nine seconds yet, but I believe it is going to come.”

To advance to this stage, Otieno won the first semifinal on Friday after clocking 10.26. His performance was an improvement from day one.

Meanwhile, in the women's category, no competitor hit the qualifying time of 10.00.

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Esther Mbagari of Kenya Prisons led the contingent after running in 11.50.

Lucia William came in second in 11.68 while Monica Safania sealed the podium in 11.73.

According to Mbagari, a hamstring injury cost her an Olympic spot.

She is however hoping to punch above weight when she graces the Africa Senior Athletics Championships.

"The race was okay. The weather was also great. Just a little challenge hindered me. I did not expect this performance today because I was injured," she said.