Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has made a stunning comeback, securing his first global win of the season at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix II in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Kenyan sprint sensation dominated the men’s 100m final, clocking 10.08 seconds to claim victory ahead of South Africa’s Tsebo Matsoso and Bradley Nkoana.

Matsoso finished second in 10.12 seconds, while world U-20 medalist Nkoana secured third place with a time of 10.16 seconds.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile followed in fourth place with 10.30 seconds, while Omanyala’s compatriot, Mark Odhiambo, crossed the finish line in fifth place, also recording 10.30 seconds.

Omanyala’s Redemption After a Slow Start

Omanyala, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion and African record-holder, was determined to bounce back after a disappointing season opener.

At the ASA Grand Prix I in Pretoria last week, he finished third in 10.22 seconds, trailing behind 18-year-old Karabo Letebele and South Africa’s Emile Erasmus.

His triumph in Johannesburg marks an important step in his 2024 season, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with in global sprinting.

Next Stop: Botswana Golden Grand Prix

With this strong comeback, Omanyala now sets his sights on the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12 in Gaborone. The event will serve as another crucial test as he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Omanyala will be making a highly anticipated return to Botswana, where he last competed in 2023, famously outpacing home favorite and 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo in a blistering 9.78 seconds.

ALSO READ:How an academic program is helping student-athletes excel on and off the Field