Omanyala advances to 100m semi-finals after 3rd-place finish in Tokyo heat
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 13, 2025Ferdinand Omanyala booked his place in the men’s 100m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after finishing third in his heat.
The Kenyan clocked 10.12 seconds in the final heat, securing automatic qualification. South Africa’s Akani Simbine, the 2018 Commonwealth champion, won the race in 10.02, while Ghana’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu took second in 10.09.
It was a strong showing for African sprinters, with Simbine, Saminu, and Omanyala all progressing directly. The Netherlands’ Elvis Afrifa finished fourth in 10.15 but still advanced as one of the fastest losers. Romell Glave of Great Britain and Puripol Boonson of Thailand also moved on through time qualification.
Elsewhere, it was disappointment for Ghana’s Benjamin Azamati. The national record holder missed out on a semi-final spot after failing to keep pace in his heat earlier in the day. Meanwhile, world silver medallist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana looked sharp as he cruised to victory in his race, underlining his status as one of the favourites for the title.
Other top gold medal hopefuls Kishane Thompson, Noah Lyles, and Oblique Seville also secured safe passage to the semi-finals.
Kenyan quartet reach semis
In the women’s 1500m, Kenya enjoyed a perfect start. All four athletes, Faith Kipyegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore, and debutant Dorcus Ewoi, advanced to the semi-finals. Kipyegon, the defending world and Olympic champion, controlled her heat and crossed in 4:02.55. Chepchirchir and Ejore also won their respective heats, while Ewoi held her nerve to qualify in fourth place against a strong field.
Kipyegon’s campaign comes just hours after World Athletics ratified her 1500m world record of 3:48.68 set in Eugene earlier this year. She now aims to add another global crown in Tokyo.
With Omanyala progressing in the 100m and the women’s 1500m team looking strong, Kenya’s hopes of medals on the track remain very much alive as the championships enter the knockout rounds.