Omanyala Misses 100m Final at Paris Olympics; Ekwam Exits 400m Due to Injury

Ferdinand Omanyala did not advance to the finals of the men’s 100m at the Paris Olympics, finishing eighth in his semi-final on Sunday evening. Omanyala clocked 10.08 seconds in a race won by Jamaican Kishane Thompson, who finished in 9.80 seconds.

Fred Kerley, the 2022 world champion from the USA, secured second place with a season-best time of 9.84 seconds, while South African Benjamin Richardson came third at 9.95 seconds. Omanyala’s fellow Africans, Akani Simbine of South Africa and Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, successfully reached the final after strong performances in the second semi-final. Simbine clocked 9.87 seconds, and Tebogo, the world 100m silver medalist, finished in 9.91 seconds. Defending champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs came third in their semi-final, timing 9.92 seconds.

Heartbreak for Ekwam in 400m

Meanwhile, Zablon Ekwam’s Olympic debut in the 400m ended prematurely due to an injury during Heat 6. Ekwam, a strong contender, pulled out with only 200 meters left in the race. Despite a strong start, his Olympic journey concluded unexpectedly. Team Kenya expressed support for Ekwam on social media, highlighting the unfortunate turn of events on his birthday. Ekwam had qualified for the Paris Olympics by running 44.69 seconds at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.

In Ekwam’s heat, US champion Quincy Hall won with a time of 44.28 seconds. Nigerian Samuel Ogazi and Australia’s Reece Holder, both setting personal bests, secured second and third places with times of 44.50 and 44.53 seconds, respectively. In other heats, Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith and Norway’s Havard Bentdal Ingvaldsen, alongside Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie, dominated their races.

Looking Ahead

As Omanyala and Ekwam reflect on their performances, the final of the men’s 100m promises to be an exciting contest, featuring top sprinters like Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley. The competition continues to highlight the intense athletic prowess displayed at the Paris Olympics.

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Brian Omondi

Brian reports on national and global affairs with a passion for uncovering the truth, amplifying silenced voices, and highlighting milestones achieved in our nation and around the world. He is ready to bring these important stories to light.

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