The 2023 World Athletics Diamond League Series concludes this weekend with an exhilarating showdown in Eugene, Oregon – the prestigious event spanning two days.
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and double World Champion Faith Kipyegon are part of Kenya’s star-studded line-up at the global showpiece and the duo will be in action on Saturday evening.
Omanyala seeks Diamond League glory (100m men at 11:07pm EAT)
Omanyala currently holds the second position in the Diamond League standings with 28 points, trailing just one point behind American sprinter Fred Kerley.
With an impressive season’s best time of 9.84, Omanyala is determined to challenge the supremacy of athletes like Lyles and Christian Coleman, competing against many of the same formidable opponents he faced at the World Championships.
While the 27-year-old finished in seventh place in Budapest, he bounced back brilliantly in the recent Zagreb Continental Gold Tour event, clocking an impressive 9.94 to secure victory and regain his momentum.
ALSO READ: Why Omanyala finished seventh in Budapest
Throughout the Diamond League season, Omanyala has showcased his skill, securing his first-ever win in Monaco and achieving two second-place finishes in Italy and Paris, along with a third-place finish in Monaco.
Faith Kipyegon it again (1500m women at 10:51pm EAT)
Faith Kipyegon undoubtedly stands as the athlete of the moment, and all eyes will be on her as she takes centre stage in this race.
Her extraordinary accomplishments, including setting world records, clinching a World Championship title, and securing victories in three prominent events in Doha, Italy, and Monaco have solidified her status as a track and field sensation.
ALSO READ: All about Faith Kipyegon’s little-known younger husband
Despite currently holding the third position in the standings, Kipyegon’s ranking is primarily due to her limited participation in 1500m races throughout the circuit.
However, her presence in a winner-take-it-all final elevates her to the forefront of attention and anticipation.
Other Kenyan athletes in Oregon
Other Kenyan athletes in Oregon poised to secure medals are the top-ranked Beatrice Chepkoech, along with Faith Cherotich and Jackline Chepkoech, who will compete in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at 10:29 pm.
In addition, Benjamin Kigen, who earned a bronze medal at the World Championships, Abraham Kibiwott, and Simon Koech will showcase their talents in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, scheduled for 11:19 pm.
