Ferdinand Omanyala: Can Africa's Fastest Man Finally Topple Akani Simbine In Early Season Encounter in Shaghai?

Ferdinand Omanyala and Akani Simbine are battling for dominance in early season encounters.

Ferdinand Omanyala: Can Africa's Fastest Man Finally Topple Akani Simbine In Early Season Encounter in Shaghai?

Stephen Awino 21:00 - 02.05.2025

Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has had an exhilarating start to his campaign but Africa's fastest man continues to be eclipsed by South African counterpart Akani Simbine in early season encounters.

Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has had an exhilarating start to his campaign, but Africa's fastest man continues to be eclipsed by his South African counterpart, Akani Simbine, in early-season encounters.

The 2021 Commonwealth Games champion, however, has a chance to change the narrative when the two meet again in the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday.

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Simbine Has the Early Upper Hand Against Omanyala

Akani Simbine. Ferdinand Omanyala.
Simbine Has the Early Upper Hand Against Omanyala

The African pair have both kickstarted their campaigns at almost the same time this season.

The sprinters have come up against each other more than once early in the season, with Simbine getting the better of Omanyala.

The African rivals have posted brilliant numbers early on—clearly evident that their campaigns are already ahead of some of their global rivals, including the likes Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson, who will also line up in Shanghai.

At the Diamond League opener in Xiamen on April 26, Akani Simbine showcased his exceptional form by clinching the 100m title with a time of 9.99 seconds.

This performance not only secured his victory but also positioned him as the world leader in the event for the season.

Ferdinand Omanyala finished second in the same race, clocking 10.13 seconds—indicating a promising start to his international campaign.

Omanyala's season commenced with challenges at the ASA Grand Prix series in South Africa.

In the first leg on March 12 in Pretoria, he finished third with a time of 10.22 seconds, trailing behind South African teenager Karabo Letebele and Emile Erasmus.

Looking Ahead

Both athletes have their sights set on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, where they will line up against the likes of Olympic champion Noah Lyles.

However, their immediate focus is now on Shanghai, where Omanyala not only has to worry about Simbine but also a star-studded lineup.

Simbine is the fastest man on the track, having registered a 9.90-second world lead in Xiamen last weekend.

He is followed closely by Omanyala, who ran 10.00 seconds.

In terms of proximity in speed this early in the season, Omanyala seems to be Simbine's main threat.

However, the pedigree of Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo and Thompson cannot be overlooked—despite the two not being at Simbine's and Omanyala's level of preparation at this point in the season.

With the 2025 World Athletics Championships in September in Tokyo, the experience and big-stage pedigree of Tebogo and Thompson will prove crucial if they are to overcome Omanyala's and Simbine's early dominance.

Simbine's early-season triumphs position him as a formidable contender, while Omanyala's determination and recent performances suggest he is poised for a strong showing on the global stage.

As the season progresses, the rivalry between Simbine and Omanyala promises to be a highlight in the world of sprinting as they battle for top honors and continental dominance.