The sudden withdrawal means Omanyala will not compete during the Wanda Diamond League season, including the two-day Diamond League Calendar final in Brussels, Belgium.
Omanyala will also miss the inaugural 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which will be held from September 11th to 13th in Budapest, Hungary.
His latest prominent 100m race was at the Xiamen Diamond League on May 23rd, where he clocked a season-best time of 9.94 seconds to take first position.
Omanyala, who in 2022 won his first international championships, with victories in the 100 m at the Commonwealth Games and African Championships in Athletics, confirmed his injury through social media.
‘I won’t be able to compete’
“Unfortunately, due to a stress fracture on the heel bone of my left foot, sustained two weeks before the Commonwealth Games, I won’t be able to compete in my final two races of the season,” said Omanyala.
Omanyala is the African record holder and the tenth-fastest man of all time in the event after clocking a time of 9.77 seconds in 2021 in Nairobi. He also holds the Kenyan national record in the 60 m.
Omanyala added: “Not quite the finish we had planned, but there is so much from this season to celebrate and be grateful for.
“To my coach, my entire team, my sponsors and partners: Thank you for the work behind the scenes, the belief, the support and for continuing to walk this journey with me. None of these milestones happen alone.
Thank you for running this season with me.”
Omanyala, who was scheduled to chase a slice of history in Brussels as he was bidding to become the first Kenyan sprinter ever to lift a Diamond League Final trophy, said he was proud of himself for what he has achieved so far.
“A season to be proud of,” explained Omanyala, who had booked his place in the prestigious finale after a scintillating start to his Diamond League campaign, finishing fifth overall in the men’s 100m standings with 19 points, comfortably inside the eight automatic qualifying spots.
“Five consecutive sub-10 performances. Closing the season ranked No. 3 in the Diamond League standings and a direct qualification for the inaugural Ultimate Championship.”
Kenya react Omanyala’s injury
On social media, a section of Kenyans praised Omanyala for what he had achieved this season before the injury cut short his season.
Ken Omollo wrote: “Congratulations on your sub 10 performances and get well soon champ,” while Tenacious Thepacesetter Yebo, said: “The season was amazing. The results were encouraging.”
Azariah Checkron Ibrahim commented: “Keep making us proud. This job is not easy. Keep your faith in the almighty Ferdinand. All the best,” Dee Katami wrote: “You will be back stronger.”
“You're amazing person wishing you the best,” wrote Samson Nyamweya, while Godfrey Wanjala said: “We were really happy seeing you flying Kenyans colours abroad, excellent bro, and quick recovery.”
In 2022, Omanyala became African 100 m champion before he was eliminated in the semi-finals of the World Championships held in Eugene, Oregon, in July, after arriving at the event only a couple of hours before his first round heat due to visa problems.
In August, he claimed Kenya’s first gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Kenyan to win gold in the 100-metre race in 60 years.
His run-up to the 2024 Summer Olympics was promising, clocking 10.01 at the FBK Games in the Netherlands.
Omanyala served as Kenya’s flag bearer alongside Triza Atuka for the opening ceremony of the Paris Games. He was disappointed to only record 10.08 seconds in the semi-finals.
