Omanyala Relishes Xiamen Victory, Eyes More Wins

Kenya’s sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has expressed his delight after storming to victory in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, where he clocked a season’s best of 9.94 seconds.

The African record holder, who set a blistering 9.77 in 2021, claimed his second-ever Diamond League win, adding to his triumph at the Herculis Meeting in Monaco in 2023.

Omanyala’s performance was his fastest time since 2024, when he recorded 9.79 at the Kenyan National Trials.

The victory also marked a strong comeback after finishing second to South Africa’s Gift Leotlela in Shanghai last week. Leotlela finished runner-up in Xiamen with 10.00, while American Trayvon Bromell placed third in 10.03.

Speaking after the race, Omanyala said: ‘I enjoyed it to be honest. It was so fun. A good start. I feel great. It is my second Diamond League win ever so I have to be excited. This trip has been goodful. It was just nice to see. Just looking forward to more wins in the future.’