Ferdinand Omanyala Makes Bold Claim For 2026 Season: 'I'm the One to Break That Record'

Kenyan sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala is confident he has what it takes to lower his own African 100m record, declaring that the historic mark is his to break.

Omanyala set the continental benchmark in 2021, blazing to a time of 9.77 seconds to finish second at the Kip Keino Classic.

That record has remained untouched since, with South Africa’s Akani Simbine coming closest with a 9.82-second run in 2024. Despite the challenge, the Kenyan star is bullish about his chances of setting a new standard this season.

"I still hold the African record, and I believe I am still the one to break it," Ferdinand Omanyala stated in an interview with TV47.

"Others have tried, but they have not been able to break it. It might be this season or next season, but I believe I am the one to break that record."

The 28-year-old is seeking redemption after a frustrating 2023 campaign where he consistently failed to dip below the coveted 10-second barrier. Despite the difficult year, Omanyala believes the experience provided crucial lessons.

"2023 was a tough season. It was a season I expected a sub-10; I didn't get it. It was a season to spearhead me to the next step," he reflected.

His 2023 season included a series of near misses. He opened with times of 10.22 and 10.08 seconds in South Africa before winning a race in Uganda in 10.09. At the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, he finished second with a time of 10.00 seconds.

Ferdinand Omanyala's Diamond League performances showed promise but lacked consistency. He secured second-place finishes in Xiamen (10.13) and Rabat (10.05) but struggled in other meets, including a ninth-place finish in Shanghai (10.25).

His season culminated in a disappointing exit at the World Championships, where he failed to advance from the semi-finals after clocking 10.09.

Now, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion is determined to re-establish his dominance on the global stage.

"This year is all about getting back to the top. It is a season of restoration because I am going to restore everything I lost," he declared. "I am going into the new season with more confidence because I know the work I have put in."

Omanyala's primary goals for the year include delivering strong performances on the Diamond League circuit and defending his Commonwealth title.

"This year is all about getting the rhythm right in the 100m and 200m, getting myself into the Diamond Leagues, the World Championships, and defending my Commonwealth Games title," he added.