Review of the First Day

Ferdinand Omanyala holds his ground

The main attraction of the first day, the Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala, the fastest man in Africa and the
best world performance of the year (9″77), held his place as a favorite in the 100 m. In the first round of
the 100m qualifiers yesterday in Côte d’Or, he emerged as a winner without forcing his way through,
with a time of 10″05. He confirmed his rapidity once more in the semi-finals, again finishing first in his
heat with a timing of 10″07.

The Prime Minister of Mauritius underlines the importance of sport

In his speech, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, stressed the
importance that his government attaches to sport. Speaking during the opening ceremony, he
summarized the actions taken by his government and stressed the impact of sport as a vehicle for
national unity. He also recalled the important infrastructural developments undertaken by the Mauritian
government to facilitate the practice of sport in Mauritius. He ended by recalling that athletics has
honored the Republic in the past.

Côte d’Or wins its first gold medal

Remember this name: Ischke Senekal, winner of the shot-put competition with a throw of 16.40m.
Yesterday morning, she was the first African champion of this 22nd edition of the Championships that
Mauritius is hosting until Sunday. The track of Côte d’Or also brought luck to the Ethiopian Mogos
Tumay Abraha, winner of the men’s 10,000m in the time of 29’19″01. The South African Alan Cumming,
winner of the hammer throw competition with a throw of 69.13 m, took the third gold medal at stake.

Noah Bibi promises a better performance

The Mauritian sprinter and local hope Noah Bibi, owner of a time of 10″20 during the 100m heats
yesterday, promises a better performance in the final of the main event. His time of 10”24 in the
semifinals is far from his personal best of 10”16. “I think it’s the fatigue that weighs on my legs. But I
swear to fight till the end for the final.”

A cultural show to complete the first day

One of the highlights of the day was the colorful show at the end of the opening ceremony. Led by
Mauritian music stars such as Linzy Bacbotte and Eric Triton, this show lasted for approximately an hour
and was tinged with the colors and sounds of Africa. This first day sets the tone for the next few days,
which will be just as rich in events.

Day 2: 100m final as main attraction
The second day of competition will be marked by the men’s 100m final. Who will take home the title of
fastest man on the “queen distance”? The favorite is Ferdinand Omanyala, who will start from the sixth
lane. Next to him and competing for the title of African champion, the South African Akani Simbine,
author of 10″09 in the semi-final, also a serious candidate for the African crown.