Omanyala to open 2026 sprint season in France

Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala will begin his 2026 athletics season in France, targeting an early test against elite competition as he builds toward a packed international calendar. The season opener is scheduled for late January at an indoor meet in France.
Omanyala said the race will help sharpen his speed early. “This is about setting the rhythm for the year,” he noted. His coach added that the opener is designed to “measure progress without pressure.”
The African 100m record holder is using the European indoor circuit to fine-tune form after a structured off-season. Athletics analysts say the approach reflects a focus on consistency ahead of major championships later in the year.