Ferdinand Omayala has qualified for the 100m semi-finals in the World Championships after clocking 10:10 seconds in heat seven.
Omanyala came third in a heat won by Japanese Abdul Hakim (9:98) and Edward Osei Nketia of New Zealand (10:08).
The race took place at 4:30am in Oregon, US.
The sensational sprinter put up a spirited fight despite arriving at the championships just hours before the competition.
The Kenyan star only had three hours to clear with customs and warm up for the race following his visa debacle.
After the qualifications, Kenyans took to social media to congratulate the 100m record breaker for his breakthrough despite facing travel challenges days before the race.
"Ferdinand Omanyala in the third semifinal of the men’s 100m alongside Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA. There are 3 heats in the semifinals with the top two and 2 fastest times qualifying for the final," Sports Journalist, Bernard Ndong stated.
"Congratulations are in order Omanyala. Having to overcome hurdles in a short period of time and make it to the semifinal is remarkable. kudos," Van Robbon echoed on Twitter.
The semi-finals will be held on Sunday, July 17.
Omanyala's late travel was occasioned by delays in processing his visa. The delays sparked an uproar among Kenyans who called on the US Embassy and the government to intervene in the matter.
On his part, Omanyala thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for intervening in the matter hours before boarding a chartered flight.
Additionally, Faith Kipyegon also qualified for the 1500m semi finals after finishing second in the women's race.
