Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s 100m record holder, has withdrawn from this week’s Diamond League final in Zurich due to injury, just weeks before the World Championships in Tokyo.
The 29-year-old sprinter is one of 17 Kenyan athletes who had qualified for the prestigious meet, which features some of the world’s top track and field stars competing on Wednesday and Thursday.
“It’s with deep regret that I announce my withdrawal from the Diamond League final,” Omanyala said on Monday via Instagram. “I’ve been dealing with deep muscle pain, as well as hip and glute discomfort, and I need time to fully recover.”
Despite the setback, Omanyala remains hopeful of a swift return to form. “I’m optimistic about my recovery and confident I’ll be ready for Tokyo,” he added, referring to the World Championships scheduled for September 13 to 21.
Omanyala made history in 2021 by setting the African 100m record at 9.77 seconds. He was selected in July as Kenya’s sole male representative in the 100m for the upcoming global event.
However, his 2025 Diamond League season has been inconsistent. He placed second in meets held in China and Morocco but finished last in Shanghai, where South Africa’s Akani Simbine claimed victory ahead of Jamaica’s Olympic champion, Kishane Thompson.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s campaign in Zurich remains strong, with three-time world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon and 10,000m world champion Beatrice Chebet among the headliners. They will be joined by Olympic 800m gold medalist and Diamond League winner Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who has recorded four wins this season, including the fastest times in the event.
AFP
