The sprinter who headed to Paris as the second-fastest man of 2024 has reflected on his disappointing exit from the Olympic Games.
On Sunday night, the men’s 100m final took place with American favourite Noah Lyles clinching gold after sharing a photo finish with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Fred Kerley of Team USA won the bronze medal.
Prior to the Olympics, Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala was one of the favourites for the title after he clocked a time of 9.79 seconds back in June, a time that was only bettered by Thompson, who managed 9.77 seconds.
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In fact, 9.79 seconds was the winning time Lyles set on Sunday to win the gold medal.
Meanwhile, Omanyala was eliminated in the semi-final with a time of 10.08 seconds, finishing behind Thompson, Kerley and Benjamin Richardson of South Africa.
On the back of his exit, some fans branded his performance as embarrassing on social media.
Breaking his silence on his disappointment in Paris, Omanyala wrote on X: “Whatever you’re facing right now—it’s not the end of your story. God is with you and always will be.
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“Thank you to everyone who believes that the Kenyan sprint story will never be the same again.”
Speaking after winning the gold medal, Lyles said: “You couldn't have asked for a bigger moment. I had to take every round as it was and I was a little upset after the first round, so I came with the aggression and... I ran 9.83 [in the semi-final].
“I hope you guys like Noah because I've got a lot more coming!”
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A disappointed Thompson said: “I didn't trust myself enough and my speed to bring me through the line. I am disappointed … but I am also glad, I am grateful. I wouldn't do anything over. I don't look at it as 'doing it over.' I made a mistake. I have to take it and move on. There's no going back.
“I made it here. And to give off one of my best performances, if not my best, I'm really grateful for it. I made a mistake. I know my mistakes now. I'm just going to keep on working and doing the best that I can.”
Marcus Chan