Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has pulled out of the 2025 Diamond League Finals in Zurich, Switzerland, citing injury concerns.
The 100m sprinter confirmed on Monday, August 25, that recurring hip, iliopsoas, and gluteal pain had forced him to withdraw, dealing a fresh blow to his season and Kenya’s hopes for a medal in Zurich.
“Due to recent hip, iliopsoas, and gluteal pain experienced over the past few weeks, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to participate in the Diamond League Finals 2025,” Omanyala said.
Despite the setback, the Commonwealth champion assured fans that he is on the recovery path and hopes to regain full fitness before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which kick off on September 13.
Omanyala’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and frustrations. He began the year with a third-place finish at the ASA Grand Prix I in Pretoria before bouncing back to win the second leg in Johannesburg in 10.08 seconds. He also impressed in March with a 10.09-second sprint during Uganda’s National Trials.
His Diamond League campaign, however, has been inconsistent. He managed second-place finishes in Xiamen, China, and Rabat, Morocco, but struggled in Shanghai, where he finished last, sparking questions about his mid-season form.
At the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Omanyala clocked 10.07 seconds, settling for third behind Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy and South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza. Afterward, he admitted ongoing struggles with his transition phase a crucial part of the 100m sprint.
Sports analysts say his decision to withdraw from Zurich could be precautionary, especially with the World Championships around the corner. Medical experts estimate recovery for such muscle strains can take anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on severity.
Even without Omanyala in Zurich, Kenya’s presence on the global stage remains strong. Faith Kipyegon will headline the Tokyo championships, competing in both the 1500m and 5000m races against world record holder Beatrice Chebet, among other top contenders.
