NAIROBI, Kenya, June 19, 2026 – Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala is eyeing a return to top form at this Sunday’s FBK Games in Hengelo, the Netherlands.
Omanyala says his burning desire is to atone for a torrid season in 2025 in which he struggled to clock a sub-10.
“This season has been great. Going under 10 for the fifth consecutive time and winning my second Diamond League has been the highlight so far. It’s a season of restoration for me because it’s building back from a not-so good season last year,” the African record holder confessed.
Omanyala will be in a rush to forget his last Diamond League race in Rome, in which he finished eighth in the men’s 100m after clocking 10.11.
It was his slowest race in over two months, having clocked a sub-10 in his five previous races.
The highlight of that scintillating run of success was victory at the Xiamen Diamond League in China, where he crossed the finish line in 9.94.
It was his second ever victory in the prestigious one-day event, following his triumph in Monaco in July 2023.
As he takes to the starting block on Sunday, the 2022 African champion will draw solace from the fact that he has been successful at the FBK Games before.
In 2024, he clocked 10.01 to win the men’s 100m in what was his last race before his second Olympics — in Paris.
Omanyala believes Sunday is another opportunity to make pleasant memories.
“Hengelo was great last time. The crowds, the atmosphere and the event was one that builds adrenaline. Looking forward to coming back and making more great memories,” he said.
Standing between Omanyala and glory are a number of sprinters, also worth their salt.
They include Olympic 4x100m relay silver medalist Akani Simbine of South Africa and American Ronnie Baker, among others.
Men’s 100m startlist
- Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya)
- Akani Simbine (South Africa)
- Ronnie Baker (United States)
- Taymir Burnet (the Netherlands)
- Benjamin Richardson (Ireland)
- Bradley Nkoana (South Africa)
- Elvis Arifa (the Netherlands)
- Xavi Mo-Ajok (the Netherlands)
- Selepe Prince Phaezel (Botswana)
