Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, set a new national record time of 6.63 seconds in his debut in the 60 metres at the World Indoor Tour’s Miramas Meeting in France on Friday, February 4.

Omanyala, who holds the African record in the 100m with a time of 9.77 seconds, broke the national record that had stood since 2005.

The previous national record time of 6.70 seconds was set by Paulvince Obuon on January 28, 2005, at State College, United States.

Omanyala also broke the stadium record by beating Iranian Hassan Taftian’s time of 6.68 seconds.

“I had a good time. It’s a fantastic experience. However, once I began to pick up speed, the race was over.

“I look at it as preparation for the outdoor season.” My new goal is to run 6.40 seconds by the World Indoor Championships. “I have two more races and six weeks to improve my time,” Omanyala explained.

Omanyala had previously stated that he planned to use the indoor races to improve his movement off the blocks.

Ghanaian Leonard Myles-Mills holds the African record of 6.45 seconds, while Christian Cole of the United States holds the world record of 6.34 seconds.

Omanyala will be competing at the Mondeville Meeting on February 9. Other races he is setting his eye on include the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. The World Athletics Championships Oregon 2022 in Eugene, the USA from July 15-24.