African 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala fell short in his first international outing of 2025 at the ASA Grand Prix 1 in South Africa.
Omanyala finished third with a time of 10.22 seconds in the race that was held on Wednesday evening at the Pilditch Stadium.
The top two spots in the event were claimed by 17-year-old Karabo Letebele who secured first place with 10.19 seconds while Emile Erasmus took second also recording 10.19 seconds.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Mark Odhiambo finished behind Omanyala in fourth place, crossing the line in 10.39 seconds.
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First race for Omanyala
This marked Omanyala’s first major competition of the season, where he aimed to make a strong return after a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics and the Diamond League last year.
Additionally, he was to use the event as an opportunity to assess his form ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21.
Omanyala will compete in both the 100m and 200m, with qualification standards set at 10.00 and 20.16 seconds, respectively.
Looking ahead, Omanyala will need to regroup and ensure a strong performance at the ASA Grand Prix 2, scheduled for March 19 in Johannesburg.
His goal is to bring home a medal at the World Championships and make his nation proud after several frustrations.
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Tebogo gutted in the 400M
Meanwhile, Botswana’s sprinter Letsile Tebogo also started his season on a subdued note.
Tebogo, who is one of the leading athletes in the continent, finished second in the 400 meters final, clocking 45.42 seconds behind his compatriot Bayapo Ndori who crossed the finishing line in 44.59 seconds. South Africa’s Zakithi Nene took third with a time of 45.42 seconds.
ASA Grand Prix 1 100M results
- Karabo Letebele (South Africa) – 10.19
- Emile Erasmus (South Africa) – 10.19
- Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – 10.22
- Mark Odhiambo (Kenya) – 10.39
- Ngoni Makusha (Zimbabwe) – 10.43
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