Review of Day 2

Mauritius witnessed its first southern time -10″00, a photo-finish to determine the winner of the men’s
100-meter dash, Lord Sebastien Coe expressing his admiration for the sports complex of Côte d’Or, and
the Kenyan women who reigned over the 1500m and 5000m: here, in a few words, are the moments to
remember to summarize this second day of the 22nd African Athletics Championships.

100 – meter dash men: The Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala king of Africa

The Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala became this afternoon the African champion of the 100 meters at the
end of the duel which opposed him to the South African Akani Simbine. The two fastest men of this
sprint had an epic battle on the “queen distance”. The judges had to consult the photo finish to decree a
winner as the two men both recorded a time of 9″93. This time was eventually reduced to 9″927 for the
Kenyan while the South African was credited with 9″930. 06. “The race was tough. It is an honor to have
won the 100 meters,” quoted the new African champion. It should be noted that this is the first time
that such a time is recorded in Mauritius.

100 – meter dash women: the Gambian Gina Bass claims her title as fastest female

The Gambian Gina Bass won the finals of the women’s 100 meters, thus succeeding the Ivorian Marie
Josée Ta Lou. Ranked eighth only in Asaba in 2018, this time she staved off the bad luck with a time of
11″06. Nigeria’s Aminatou Seyni Moumouni (11″09) and South Africa’s Carina Horn (11″14) took second
and third place respectively.

Middle- and long-distance events: Kenya celebrates in the women’s event

After Ferdinand Omanyala’s victory in the 100 meters, the Kenyan camp extended the party with
Beatrice Chebet in the 5000 meters. Leading this race in front of the Ethiopian Fentaye Belayneh Azale,
the Kenyan signed a time of 15’00″82, more than one second better than her runner-up.
The Kenyan delegation made a deep impression in the 1500m race, where Winny Chebet and Purity
Chepkirui took the first two places. Chebet won in 4’16″10, ahead of her compatriot Chepkirui, who
clocked 4’16″28.

Press conference: Lord Coe admires the sports complex of Côte d’Or

Unveiling his speech through words of gratitude for the organisation of the 22nd African Athletics Senior
Competition, Lord Sebastien Coe strikingly portrayed the essence behind this competition, its essence

lying in the showcase of the African continent’s talent. His recognition of Mauritius as a great supporter
of athletics aligned with his admiration and contentment with the sophisticated sports complex at Côte
D’Or. Stressing on the quintessential effects of Covid-19 on the world of sports, he sustains how with
rising poverty and inequality, international events have perhaps missed the inspirational impact of
promising African athletes. Subsequently, his hope stems from this competition which incarnates the
best medium to tackle these socio-economic challenges. With more ease on travelling and national
borders, he is confident, especially after his encounter with the Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius,
Mr Pravind Jugnauth, that this african championships would substantially aid in nation building and
social cohesion. As an icon of athletism himself, Lord Coe shares messages of unity through sport as for
him, there is no need of expensive equipment to fuel the success in sports and anyone with a body and
the willingness can aim to become athletes of tomorrow.