Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has withdrawn from the Diamond League final in Zurich due to injury, Afrosport reports.
The 29-year-old African 100m record holder was set to compete at the event set for the Letzigrund Stadium on Wednesday, 27 August and Thursday, 28 August. He has, however, confirmed his absence, citing hip, iliopsoas and gluteal pain.
“Due to recent hip, iliopsoas and gluteal pain experienced over the few weeks, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to participate in the Diamond League finals 2025,” Omanyala wrote on Instagram. “I am optimistic about my recovery and anticipate being fully fit for Tokyo.”
Omanyala, who clocked 9.77 seconds to set the African men’s 100m record in September 2021, is Kenya’s sole male representative in the 100m for next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (13–21 September) after qualifying at the national trials in July.
The sprinter has endured a mixed Diamond League campaign, finishing second in China and Morocco before struggling in Shanghai.
Despite his absence, Kenya will still be strongly represented in Zurich, with Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi all among the 17 athletes who qualified for the season finale.
