UoN Student Breaks 100 Meters Record but Denied Crown

Ferdinand Omanyala competes in 100m heat during the second leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Relay
Ferdinand Omanyala competes in 100m heat during the second leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Relay
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A University of Nairobi (UoN) Student stole the show at the Athletics Kenya (AK) relay held at the Nyayo Stadium when he clocked the fastest time in Kenya for 100 meters sprint.

Ferdinand Omanyala won the race in 10.11 seconds, beating the current record set by Mark Otieno in 2017 who clocked 10.14 seconds.

However, the achievement was not sanctioned as a national record since Athletics Kenya claimed the win was wind-assisted.

Ferdinand Omanyala during a sprinting session.
Ferdinand Omanyala during a sprinting session.
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According to AK, the speed of wind was reported at 3.4 meters per second. For Omanyala's time to qualify as a national record, the speed of wind should be below 2.0 meters per second.

Speaking to a local media house, the 25-year-old student, though dejected, looked to set his sights on international status.

"I intend to compete abroad. It’s time to go international now. The performance is as a result of the good preseason I had with the Kenya Sevens rugby team in November and December. 

"It’s a shame my time won’t be ratified as a national record but God’s time is the best. It will come gradually,” he stated.

The ambitious athlete noted that he plans on running under 10 seconds. The worldwide record is currently held by Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt who clocked 9.58 seconds at the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Omanyala had been previously banned by the Anti-doping Agency of Kenya for 14 months over doping allegations.

This prompted the athlete to appeal at the Sports Dispute Tribunal after he was barred from representing Kenya in local and international events.

AK's senior vice President Paul Mutwii defended Omanyala and noted that athletes coming from doping bans would still be allowed to participate in events.

However, he noted that the athletes might not be chosen for international assignments.

Athletics Kenya's senior vice President Paul Mutwii
Athletics Kenya's senior vice President Paul Mutwii
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