Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala sets his sights on Usain Bolt record

Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala says he is ready to challenge the world record of 9.58 seconds currently held by Jamaican great Usain Bolt.

"I think 2021 has been my year, I was targeting to break the African record which I managed but now focus shifts to the world record ... I believe I can break Bolt's record."

Omanyala clocked a time of 9.77 at this year’s Kip Keino Classic in Kasarani Stadium breaking the African record and becoming the 8th fastest of all time in the 100 meters race.

During the event in Kasarani, the sprinter came second behind Trayvon Bromell, who set a world-leading time of 9.76 seconds, with former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin finished third in 10.03 seconds.

South Africa's Akane Simbine was the previous holder of the African 100m record, a time of 9.84 set at the Istvan Gyulai Memorial Meet in Hungary in July this year.

Omanyala broke the national record four times

Omanyala broke the national 100m record for the fourth time this year breaking his previous time of 9.86 set at the International Josko Meeting in Andorf, Austria in August.