Ferdinand Omanyala Records Eighth-Place Finish in His Second Race of the 2026 Season

Ferdinand Omanyala Records Eighth-Place Finish in His Second Race of the 2026 Season

Abigael Wafula 09:55 - 31.01.2026

Ferdinand Omanyala finished eighth at the Miramas Indoor Meet as he continues to adjust his approach ahead of the 2026 season.

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala struggled to make an impact at the Elite Indoor Track Miramas Meeting, fading to an eighth-place finish in the men’s 60m final.

Competing in the heats, Ferdinand Omanyala finished third to secure his slot in the final, but his efforts were not enough for a podium finish as he crossed the finish line eighth in 6.86 seconds.

Jesus Orphee Topize claimed the win in the final, crossing the finish line in a time of 6.70 seconds. Shushei Tada came in second in 6.73 seconds, with Tsebo Matsoso rounding out the podium in 6.75 seconds.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Ferdinand Omanyala Changing Her Season Approach

In a previous interview, Ferdinand Omanyala had mentioned that he would approach his 2026 campaign with a renewed focus on the indoor circuit to sharpen himself for outdoor races.

After a challenging 2025 season that he described as a period of ‘painful lessons,’ the Commonwealth Games champion is prioritising technical refinement and early-season conditioning.

A central part of this new approach is his reunion with former coach Duncan Ayiemba, aiming to rediscover the form that led to his 9.77-second African record.

The sprinter remains bullish about his comeback, viewing this year as a chance to reclaim his dominance on the global stage.

Highlighting his mindset for the year, Ferdinand Omanyala declared, "This year is all about getting back to the top. It is a season of restoration because I am going to restore everything I lost."

"We are targeting the Diamond League and indoor, and I know skipping the indoor tour was a dent, so next year we shall do the indoors."

Meanwhile, Ferdinand Omanyala started his season with the 60m race at the Meeting de Paris Indoor, finishing fourth in the heats and did not proceed to the final.