Omanyala: ‘Fred is the number one today but the fight is still on’

Ferdinand Omanyala says the fight to be crowned the best sprinter in the world has not ended with his second defeat to reigning World champion, Fred Kerley in as many days after the Kenyan lost to the American Friday at the Golden Gala Diamond League meeting in Florence, Italy.

Kerley clocked another 9.94 to win his second 100 metres race in the Diamond League season repeating the same time as in Rabat.

Omanyala, the African record holder and Commonwealth Games champion placed second in 10.05 and the 27 year old says he will go back to correct his mistakes before going to Paris on June 9 for the fourth leg of the money spinning event.

‘It was a good race and I cannot complain about anything. I just need to go and check what I need to correct.’

‘I also cannot complain about anything today – the food, the conditions so we build up from there. Of course, Fred is the number one today but the fight is still on. Diamond League is a big platform so I am happy about my performance and placement today.’

‘I am going to Paris afterwards and I train in Italy so it felt like my second home today. This is why we are doing athletics – for this crowds and everybody is coming out for this – to compete in such atmosphere. Rome or Florence – both are just good Diamond League meetings,’ said the Kenyan.