Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has pulled out of the 2025 Diamond League Finals, citing hip, iliopsoas, and gluteal pains that have troubled him in recent weeks.
Omanyala, christened the fastest man in Africa, confirmed the news on his social media pages, disappointing fans who were eager to see him on the global stage.
However, Omanyala stressed that his focus is now on full recovery ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
“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,” he wrote. “I am optimistic about my recovery and anticipate being fully fit for Tokyo.”
The Championships will be held from September 13–21, 2025, bringing together more than 2,000 athletes from about 200 countries.
Medical experts note that the iliopsoas and gluteal muscles are key to a sprinter’s explosive speed, and competing while injured could risk worsening the problem.
Omanyala’s decision mirrors strategies often adopted by elite athletes to safeguard long-term performance.
His withdrawal leaves a major gap in the men’s 100m, one of the most anticipated races at the Diamond League Finals, a premier event in the athletics calendar.
Despite the setback, Omanyala has had a strong season. In April, he finished second at the Egret Stadium in Xiamen, China (10.13).
On May 3, he placed ninth in Shaoxing/Keqiao (10.25), before bouncing back to take second in Rabat, Morocco (10.05) on May 25. His most recent appearance saw him finish third at the Rome Diamond League, clocking 10.01 seconds.
Now in its 16th year, the Diamond League features 14 series meetings where athletes across 32 disciplines earn points to qualify for the two-day finale.
At each meeting, competitors collect between one and eight points depending on their finishing positions.
Omanyala’s absence will be felt, but his sights are firmly set on returning stronger for Tokyo, where he hopes to make history for Kenya on the world stage.