By Athletics Kenya Media Team
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala underlined his class and championship pedigree by successfully defending his national 100m title on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Athletics Kenya National Championships/Commonwealth Games trials.
The sprint king stormed to victory timing 10.00 seconds, clear of a quality field to retain his crown.
Meshack Babu crossed the line a distant second in 10.20, while former national record holder Mark Otieno completed the podium after clocking 10.32.
Omanyala had also reigned supreme at last year’s championships, winning in 10.08 ahead of Steve Odhiambo (10.27) and Babu (10.31).
The reigning Commonwealth champion pointed out an intriguing coincidence following Saturday’s triumph, revealing that he had posted the exact same time during the trials for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
”It’s a coincidence because the last time I went to the Commonwealth Games, I also ran the same time at the trials,” Omanyala said.
In 2022, Omanyala went on to capture Commonwealth gold, clocking 10.02 to lead South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who settled for silver in 10.13, while Sri Lanka’s Yupun Abeykoon claimed bronze in 10.14.
Omanyala’s plan for Commonwealth Games
The Kenyan sprint sensation believes history could well repeat itself at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
”I don’t believe in coincidences but I believe in history. You never know, the same thing may happen at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Further, Omanyala revealed that he will be chasing a slice of history in Glasgow by becoming the first African man to successfully defend the Commonwealth 100m title.
”I am excited about the Commonwealth Games. There’s nothing that’s taking me there apart from history. I want to be the first African to win it twice. That’s the history I am chasing,” he said.
With the national trials now behind him, Omanyala is set to continue his packed international campaign, flying out to the Netherlands for Monday’s FBK Games in Hengelo.
”I have a busy schedule. I will be leaving for the Netherlands tonight for the FBK Games.”
Who is Kenya’s 100m women champion?
Meanwhile, in the women’s 100m, evergreen sprinter Millicent Ndoro extended her dominance on the domestic sprint scene, surging to the national title in 11.52.
Eunice Kadogo finished second in 11.80, while Brenda Masitsa sealed third place after clocking 11.84.
Ndoro expressed delight at having secured her ticket to the Glasgow showpiece.
”The race was good. The aim was to get that ticket to Glasgow and I am happy,” she said.
Looking ahead to Glasgow, the veteran speedster said her immediate target is to make the final before setting her sights on the podium.
The target is to get to the finals first. After that, anything can happen. I am also chasing good results and personal bests in Glasgow.”
Ndoro added that sharpening her start off the blocks will be key to her preparations ahead of the Games.
I want to improve my start. Once I get that, I am good to go.”
