Omanyala Breaks Sub-10 Barrier With 9.98 Victory At Addis Ababa Grand Prix
Sports Updated: 18 April 2026 20:21 EAT
Omanyala wins 100 metres title at inaugural Addis Ababa Grand Prix
Kenya’s sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala delivered a statement performance at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, clocking 9.98 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres final and end a 20-month wait for a sub-10 finish.
Omanyala surged through the field with a powerful drive phase and controlled finish, becoming the only athlete in the race to dip below the 10-second mark. The result signals a strong return to form for the African record holder after a challenging stretch where he struggled to consistently hit elite times.
American sprinter Christopher Borzor finished second in just over 10.1 seconds, while Italy’s Chituru Ali took third in 10.26, rounding out the podium behind the Kenyan.
Earlier in the day, Omanyala had already shown intent by winning his semi-final heat in 10.11 seconds, comfortably qualifying for the final with one of the fastest times across the rounds.
The 9.98 run marks his first time under 10 seconds since August 2024, underlining the significance of the performance as he rebuilds momentum heading into a packed international season.
The Addis Ababa Grand Prix, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, attracted a competitive field and highlighted Ethiopia’s growing presence as a host of top-tier athletics events.
Omanyala’s resurgence comes early in his 2026 outdoor campaign, having opened his season with a 10.19-second performance in South Africa. The sub-10 result now places him firmly back among the world’s leading sprinters this year.
Attention now shifts to upcoming meets, including the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, where Omanyala is expected to face stronger international competition and test his consistency at the highest level.
His performance is likely to reignite confidence in Kenya’s sprinting prospects, offering a rare boost in a discipline long dominated by the country’s middle- and long-distance athletes.
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FELIX MAKONA
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