Omanyala, Chebet dominate at National Athletics Championships

Ferdinand Omanyala emphasized his claim as the country’s undisputed sprint king when he blasted to victories in the men’s 100m and 200m races at the National Athletics Championships held at the Kasarani Stadium.

The African 100m record holder, representing National Police Service (NPS), won the 100m event in 10.03 seconds before completing his sprint double with a 20.43-second victory in the 200m.

The 26-year-old said he is now eyeing his maiden titles at the Africa Senior Athletics Championships to be held in Reduit, Mauritius on June 8-12.

“It has been a good championship for me being the first event to be held after such a long time. I enjoyed the three events (100m, 200m and 4x100m). I am happy with my performance especially in the 200m which I have been working on.  It is now time to go for titles through competitions,” said Omanyala.

Maximilla Imali of NPS topped the women’s 100m race in a new national record of 11.35 seconds beating the previous record of 11.47. Jacinta Nyamahunge (11.57) and Monica Zafania (11.86) finished second and third respectively.

Beatrice Chebet also of NPS emerged the winner in the women’s 5000m race after clocking 15:30.15 beating Caroline Nyaga who finished second in 15:32.11 while Neptune Chepleting was third in 15:38.36

Chebet, the former world junior champion, said she is going all out for a gold medal in Mauritius.

“I thank God for the victory today. I am confident I will bring a gold medal at the Africa Championships. I am now going to polish my speed, which is my weak area at the moment,” said Chebet.

World Under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech ran the rule in women’s steeplechase after stopping the timer in 9:26.12 ahead of Celliphine Chespol who placed second in 9:31.11 while Caren Chebet closed the podium in 9:31.69

“I came here with confidence. I was not worried by the fact that I was competing against senior athletes. My target now is to earn a podium finish in Mauritius,” she said.