'To Be Able to Run Against Ferdinand Omanyala is the Ultimate Privilege' - Kennedy Lachlan

Kennedy Lachlan reacts after beating Ferdinand Omanyala

'To Be Able to Run Against Ferdinand Omanyala is the Ultimate Privilege' - Kennedy Lachlan

Abigael Wafula 21:57 - 31.05.2025

Kennedy Lachlan described beating Ferdinand Omanyala on his home turf as an incredible honour after clocking a stunning personal best to win the Kip Keino Classic.

Kennedy Lachlan has revealed that competing against Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, and beating him on home soil is an ultimate privilege.

The Australian sprinter shocked the favourites to claim the win in under 10 seconds, clocking an impressive personal best time of 9.98 seconds.

South African youngster Bayanda Walaza came in second in a time of 10.03 seconds as Ferdinand Omanyala completed the podium in 10.07 seconds. Mark Otieno finished sixth in 10.29 seconds.

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Kennedy Lachlan entered the race as an underdog and eventually managed to walk away with a win, something that shocked the fans who had assembled to watch Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Otieno shine on home soil.

Kennedy Lachlan in Awe After Beating Ferdinand Omanyala

Kennedy Lachlan
Australian sprint sensation Lachlan Kennedy

The Australian youngster revealed that he was not surprised by the time he clocked, but by how he managed to beat such a strong field.

The world indoor silver medallist pointed out that competing against Ferdinand Omanyala and finally getting the win is a huge honour.

The two met at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, where Ferdinand Omanyala finished second behind Akani Simbine, as Kennedy Lachlan finished fifth in the men’s 100m.

“I’m not surprised…I was definitely happy because I knew I was close to going sub-10. I ran 10.00 at my nationals, so to come here and do it with competition like this feels really special,” Kennedy Lachlan revealed.

“It feels great to be able to run against Ferdinand Omanyala is the ultimate privilege. Omanyala got me in China, and I was able to get him here…it feels super surreal.”

Kennedy Lachlan started his season indoors, winning a silver medal in the men’s 60m at the World Indoor Championships.

The indoor competition set him up for a great show outdoors, where he has been making waves in the 100m and 200m. Competing in the 200m, Lachlan made headlines after beating Gout Gout at the Maurie Plant Meet.

Before competing at the Kip Keino Classic, Kennedy Lachlan was part of the Australian team that competed at the World Athletics Relays, finishing third in the men’s 4x100m relay.

He continues to shine bright for Australia, looking to make a mark at the World Championships in September, as he lines up some of the finest sprinters, including Akani Simbine, Noah Lyles, and Ferdinand Omanyala among other stars.