Omanyala eyes Rome redemption following disappointing Kip Keino Classic display

Ferdinand Omanyala is focusing on making a strong impression in Rome during this Friday's Diamond League meeting following a third-place finish over the weekend at the Kip Keino Classic.

Omanyala took the third and final podium place on Saturday at the annual Kip Keino Classic, a World Continental Tour event at the Ulinzi Stadium in Nairobi.

Australian Kennedy Lachlan won the race in a time of 9.98 seconds, a big win for the lanky Ausi who secured a personal best as a result.

South Africa's Bayanda Wazala, who was also making his debut on Kenyan soil, settled for second place with 10.03, as Omanyala came third in 10.07, wrapping up the podium places.

Having hoped to dazzle the home crowd on Saturday and failed, Omanyala has swiftly shifted focus to Rome as he continues preparations for the holy grail of athletics; The World Athletics Championships, which takes place in Tokyo, Japan September 13 to 21.

"I will be in Rome," he said in the aftermath of his race on Saturday.

"I have been working on alot. My starts are good. I have been working on my race progression which I think can improve going forward," he said of his current state.

In his build-up to Tokyo, Omanyala has had a decent if not spectacular start to the 2025 season.

He secured second-place finishes in Xiamen (10.13 seconds) and Rabat (10.05 seconds) and picked up a new African record for the 150-meter event, running 14.70 seconds at the Adidas Atlanta City Games.

In Rome, the competition will be stiff as Omanyala will compete against American sprinters Courtney Lindsey, Brandon Hicklin, and Trayvon Bromell.

Prior to the Kip Keino Classic, Omanyala's focus was on securing a sub-10-second time before he heads to Tokyo and he will be looking to achieve that in Rome on Friday evening, 6 June 2025.

"My target is to get below 10 seconds. That's the one thing I've not done this year, but I'm confident I'll get there," he stated.

Kenya will be represented by a strong contingent in Rome.

The likes of double Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metre champion Beatrice Chebet will be in action, as will the likes of Brian Komen, Timothy Cheruiyot, Reynold Cheruiyot, Purity Chepkirui, and Susan Lokayo Ejore who will take part in a range of disciplines from the 1500 to 800 metre races.