Junelle Bromfield has emerged as a standout Jamaican 400m sprinter and this article analyses some of the things you might not know about her.

Junelle Bromfield has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of Jamaica’s most promising quarter-milers.

 

Bromfield boasts of medals from the Olympic Games and World Championships and she continues to shine on and off the track.

 

From her early days in Black River to the world stage, Junelle Bromfield’s career has been shaped not just by her performances on the track, but also by personal challenges, public scrutiny, and a highly publicized relationship with Noah Lyles.

 

This article by Pulse Sports Kenya details some of the things you might be interesting in knowing about Junelle Bromfield.

 

 

Junelle Bromfield Age

Junelle Bromfield was born on February 8, 1998, in Black River, Jamaica. Bromfield is a distinguished Jamaican sprinter who specialises in the 400m. As of April 2025, Junelle Bromfield is 27 years old.

 

 

Junelle Bromfield Profile

Junelle Bromfield specialises in the 400m and relay events and so far, she has achieved great milestones on the international stage as far as her athletics career is concerned.

 

Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.

 

Some of her notable achievements include being a part of Jamaica’s 4×400 meters relay team that secured a bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

 

Mohammed Bajaber given Harambee Stars warning after dream debut under Benni McCarthy

Mohammed Bajaber given Harambee Stars warning after dream debut under Benni McCarthy

Junelle Bromfield also played a huge role, contributing to Jamaica’s silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

 

She also claimed a gold medal at the 2022 World Indoor Championships with Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team. Earlier in her career, she secured two gold medals in the 400m and 400m hurdles at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games.

 

Aside from her track achievements, Junelle Bromfield also began dating triple world champion Noah Lyles in 2022 and they announced their engagement in October 2024.

 

Junelle Bromfield is most active on Instagram and Tik Tok but she occasionally posts on her X (Twitter) handles, sharing her training life and time spent with her fiancée Noah Lyles.

 

Junelle Bromfield Career

Junelle Bromfield Career

Junelle Bromfield Career

Junelle Bromfield was not from a well-off family, something that forced her to pursue track and field. At the age of 8, Junelle Bromfield knew she wanted to become an Olympian and make her late mother proud.

 

She started running when in primary school but her talent became evident when she was a teenager. At the age of 19, she won two gold medals in the 400m and 400m hurdles at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games.

 

She was a notable performer at the CARIFTA Games and the World Under-20 Championships, where she consistently showcased her prowess.

 

Former Tottenham youth prospect bids to make history with Kenya at U-20 AFCON

Former Tottenham youth prospect bids to make history with Kenya at U-20 AFCON

Her dedication saw her compete at the World Championships and Olympic Games. Junelle Bromfield was part of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team that secured a bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She further contributed to the team’s silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

 

Junelle Bromfield Drama

Junelle Bromfield Drama

Junelle Bromfield Drama

Junelle Bromfield’s career has not been without challenges as she faced personal adversities. Her relationship with reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles subjected her to online abuse and criticism from some Jamaican fans.

 

Junelle Bromfield Relationship

Junelle Bromfield Relationship

Junelle Bromfield Relationship

Junelle Bromfield is engaged to Noah Lyles and together, they have cultivated a relationship that has garnered attention both on and off the track.

 

The duo first met in 2017 through social media interactions and the first time they met, it did not automatically lead to a romantic relationship but they maintained a friendship over the years.

 

They reconnected in 2022, when their relationship evolved and they began dating. In October 2024, Noah Lyles proposed to Bromfield in a heartfelt setting with close family and friends in attendance.

 

Why Shujaa face World Sevens Series relegation despite reaching cup final in Singapore

Why Shujaa face World Sevens Series relegation despite reaching cup final in Singapore

Since their engagement, the couple has been featured in various media outlets and has participated in interviews and podcasts.

 

Junelle Bromfield law degree

Junelle Bromfield law degree

Image source: NBC News

Junelle Bromfield has successfully managed to balance her athletic career with academic pursuits. Bromfield earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica, graduating in 2020.

 

Before her university studies, Junelle Bromfield attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz, Jamaica.

 

How Rich is Junelle Bromfield in 2025?

As of 2025, Junelle Bromfield is estimated to have a net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million primarily from her earnings from prize money, sponsorships, and endorsement deals.

 

Her performance and other significant accolades in her athletic career have also earned her a substantial amount of money.

 

The net worth figures are often based on publicly available information and may not fully capture private financial details.

 

 

Madrid emergency services attend during the 2025 half marathon

A 35-year-old man died at the Madrid Half Marathon on Sunday, while another is in intensive care

A tragic turn of events unfolded at the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon, where a 35-year-old man died of cardiac arrest. Another young participant, aged 20, also suffered a cardiac arrest and is currently in intensive care.

 

The older runner was reportedly just 500 metres from completing the half marathon on Paseo de Recoletos when he collapsed. Spanish media sources referred to information from Emergencies Madrid, which said the man was transferred to La Paz hospital “without a pulse.”

 

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At the scene, a Samur-Proteccioon Civil nurse at Cibeles tried in vain to resuscitate the man. The half marathon’s organisers have extended their “deepest condolences” while refraining from releasing further information about the deceased.

 

It’s understood he was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save him. This heart-wrenching incident occurs with the London Marathon just three weeks away.

 

The younger runner received immediate attention on Paseo de Recoletos from a doctor spectator and two security personnel. After successful resuscitation at the scene, he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Hospital Cliinico.

 

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As per the latest updates on Monday afternoon, the exact condition of the 20-year-old remains uncertain. This unfortunate event took place despite the half marathon’s organisers’ precautionary measures, such as relocating the finish line to reduce the race’s difficulty.

 

The Madrid Half Marathon used to culminate at El Retiro Park, a location that marked the end of a final incline. However, the endpoint was relocated to Paseo de Recoletos, right outside the National Library, in 2010.

 

Warning: Distressing scenes

 

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That decision was made after the tragic death of a 31-year-old participant in 2010. The man in question collapsed and died just after crossing the finish line, and this wasn’t the first such case.

 

In another unfortunate incident during the 20-kilometre race five years prior, a 24-year-old man also succumbed to cardiac arrest. The severity of his condition left medical personnel who attempted to resuscitate him unable to save his life.

 

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It’s estimated around 27,000 individuals participated in Sunday’s half marathon, an event that first took place in 2001. Medical teams were kept on their toes, tending to plenty of less severe cases.

 

Madrid emergency services attend during the 2025 half marathon

Medical professionals worked on more than 50 runners on Sunday

Reports suggest approximately 50 people required treatment for conditions such as heat stroke and sprains in Madrid on Sunday, despite the relatively mild weather in Spain’s capital over the weekend, with temperatures peaking at 18 degrees.

 

 

However, humidity levels soared to a staggering 100 per cent in the morning, according to the Met Office. Although these fell closer to 60 per cent towards the afternoon, it can lead to disastrous results when combined with physical exertion.

 

Mellisa Jefferson celebrates after clinching the sprint double at the first Grand Slam Track event in Kingston.

The Grand Slam Track, which officially kicked off in Kingston, Jamaica last weekend has met resistance from elite athletes like Noah Lyles and Tara Davis-Woodhall.

Olympic gold medalist Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has thrown her full support behind Michael Johnson’s ambitious Grand Slam Track series.

 

Jefferson-Wooden, who delivered bronze in the 100m final of the Paris Olympic games, claimed the sprint double in the women’s short sprints category. The US sprinter battled a strong headwind (-4.7m/s) to win in 23.46 with Jenna Prandini 0.10 behind.

 

A teammate of Sha’Carri Richardson, Jefferson-Wooden was the sole Star Athletics club representative in the short sprint event, and is now 100,000$ richer.

 

Mohammed Bajaber given Harambee Stars warning after dream debut under Benni McCarthy

Mohammed Bajaber given Harambee Stars warning after dream debut under Benni McCarthy

Speaking to the media after her 100m race on Saturday, Jefferson-Wooden was in full support of Johnson’s initiative, which has received its fair share of resistance from elite athletes like Noah Lyles, Rai Benjamin and Tara Davis-Woodhall.

 

Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.

 

The American sprinter made it clear that she’s all in on the project—and not just for one meet, but for the long haul.

 

“Being here for the first meet was very important to me. I’m actually a signed racer, so I’ll be at all four,” Jefferson-Wooden revealed.

 

Former Tottenham youth prospect bids to make history with Kenya at U-20 AFCON

Former Tottenham youth prospect bids to make history with Kenya at U-20 AFCON

“When the opportunity presented itself for me to be a part of it, I was like, ‘Sign me up.’”

 

The Grand Slam Track is being touted as a game-changer for the sport—especially for athletes in need of more consistent exposure and financial backing. For Jefferson-Wooden, the vision resonated deeply.

 

“I’m a firm believer in change having to start somewhere. I feel like Michael Johnson—his vision for the athletes—it’s a good start.

 

“ Even though we don’t necessarily have the field events right now, if this continues to grow and go in the way that it should… the sky’s the limit,” she said. “I feel like it’s better to start somewhere than not start at all.”

 

Why Shujaa face World Sevens Series relegation despite reaching cup final in Singapore

Why Shujaa face World Sevens Series relegation despite reaching cup final in Singapore

When asked whether Richardson and her other teammate Twanisha ‘Tee Tee’ Terry —the three who famously swept the U.S. Trials for the Olympics in the 100m alongside her—have discussed potentially linking up again in future Grand Slam races, Jefferson-Wooden kept it hopeful, yet grounded.

 

“I haven’t really talked to them much about it, even though I see them every day. But they have their own things going on,” she explained.

 

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, we may get to come on the track together and dominate like we did at Trials. But we’ll see.”

 

With athletes like Jefferson-Wooden backing the initiative and committing to its growth, Grand Slam Track may very well become the springboard the sport needs to elevate to new heights both in visibility and athlete empowerment.

 

 

Usain Bolt admitted that he did not feel worried for his records ahead of the Paris Olympics

Usain Bolt has made a telling admission about his 100m record

Sprinting icon Usain Bolt has revealed that he thinks his 100-metre world record could have been slashed and that he could have recorded an even quicker time.

 

At the 2009 World Athletics Championships, Bolt stunned the world with a phenomenal 9.58-second dash, setting the all-time record. Yet, the man himself is convinced that there was more in the tank.

 

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During the final stretch of his historic run, Bolt appeared to ease up as he glanced over his shoulders and noted the gap to his competitors. Despite this, he shattered the world record – a feat unmatched to this day.

 

In an interview with La Repubblica, Bolt reflected: “In those seconds I was able to think. I divided the race into several segments. It is fast for the others, slow for me. Maybe in the end I could have pushed a little harder and finished at 9.55.”

 

Since hanging up his spikes in 2017 following a hamstring injury at the same championship event, Bolt has not slowed down in life, keeping busy by any means.

 

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Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s 100 Metres Final during day two of the 12th IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Olympic Stadium on August 16, 2009 in Berlin, Germany. Bolt set a new World Record of 9.58. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

Bolt’s record stands to this day(Image: Mark Dadswell, Getty Images)

Over the past eight years, the Olympic hero’s curiosity has led him to experiment with various sporting pursuits, notably dabbling in football.

 

He played two exhibition games in 2018 with Australian side Central Coast Mariners, yet he didn’t secure a contract. Bolt has also partaken in a number of charity events.

 

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Moving past his brief football stint, Bolt has dived into a fresh endeavour that continues to thrill him and take up a lot of his day, reports the Express.

 

Usain Bolt.

The sprinter thinks he could’ve gone faster

The legendary sprinter, now 38, has a lesser-known hobby that he’s incredibly passionate about – dominoes. He’s devoted to the game, playing for extensive hours back home in Jamaica.

 

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“I play for six hours a day with friends.” he admitted. Last year, on The Jonathan Ross Show, Bolt shared his fervour for dominoes and mentioned how it brings out a fiercely competitive spirit among pals.

 

“If you see me playing dominoes, anybody following me on Instagram knows, when I play with my friends, I get really aggressive,” he said. “It’s an exciting game. It’s very exciting and stressful.

 

“Like, [it’s exciting] when you know you’re going to win because the key is to get to six without the other players winning one game. So, when I’m going to get to six, I’ll get on the table and say: ‘My bag!’ just to celebrate. it’s just something we do.”

 

The streets of Ciceron, St. Lucia’s capital, were overflowing. A small Caribbean island with a population of 180,000—compared to sprinting powerhouse USA’s 346 million and Jamaica’s 2.8 million—the nation had its breath caught in its mouth. One 100m run and glory would be theirs. As Julien Alfred lined up beside fan-favorite Sha’Carri Richardson, no one had expected the 23-year-old to make any difference. However, exactly 10.72 seconds later, and 0.15 clear of Richardson, history was rewritten. The world left stunned. Now, eight months later, another challenge awaited.

 

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On April 5, Alfred arrived at the Miramar Invitational in Florida for a women’s 300-meter battle. This time, though, there was a new hurdle to cross—one who is a double 200m world champion and was back for her second race after pulling out of the Paris Olympics owing to an injury. Shericka Jackson was fresh off a second-place finish (7.18 seconds) at the Women’s 60m at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Development Meet in January behind Jodean Williams (7.15 seconds). However, when Alfred stormed past Jackson, the race didn’t just end with a national record. It ignited a digital war between fan bases that had been brewing for months. Sounds confusing?

 

TC Management brought together some of the biggest names in track and field for what was supposed to be a celebration of elite performance. But once the results hit the timeline with the Paris Olympic gold medalist clocking a blistering 36.05 seconds over Jackson’s 36.16, and even setting a new Saint Lucian national record and moving to 28th on the all-time list—celebrations turned to confrontation. Social media users clashed hard with Julien faithfuls.

 

 

 

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Many thought the 300m win was a fluke. But for those paying attention, Julien Alfred is quietly cooking up something big. Not only is she dominating her usual territory in the 100m and 200m, but she’s also been diving into a whole new world: the 400m. Just days before Miramar, she delivered a jaw-dropping 49.8-second anchor split in the 4x400m relay at Texas Relays. It wasn’t just fast. It was fearless. Then came an interview with Forbes’ Katelyn Hutchison, where Julien played it cool. “I’m really just having fun, to be honest… especially when it comes to the longer workouts.” A relaxed tone, sure. But no one trains for the 400 casually. Not at this level.

 

Poll of the day

Poll 1 of 5

Do you think Julien Alfred is on her way to surpassing the legacy of Jamaican sprint legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah?

 

Yes, she’s the future of track and field

 

No, the Jamaican legends have set an unbeatable standard

 

Maybe, but she needs more time to prove herself

 

It’s too early to make such comparisons

 

Do you think Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track can revive interest in track and field?

 

Yes, it’s a bold vision that needs time

 

No, the poor debut shows it’s doomed

 

Maybe, but it needs better marketing

 

Only if it returns to traditional event names

 

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

 

How do you feel about the rebranding of track events like calling the 200m the “Long Sprint”?

 

It’s innovative and needed for new fans

 

It’s confusing and unnecessary

 

I don’t care as long as the races are exciting

 

It disrespects the sport’s traditions

 

Do you think Gable Steveson’s constant switching between sports is damaging his legacy?

 

Yes, he’s squandering his potential

 

No, it’s his career to explore

 

Maybe, but he can still redeem himself

 

I don’t care as long as he competes

 

Should Gable Steveson focus solely on wrestling to fulfill his Olympic potential?

 

Yes, he should commit to wrestling

 

No, he should explore other sports

 

He should balance both wrestling and other sports

 

It’s too late for him to focus on wrestling

 

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

 

 

 

But the real mic-drop moment came when Julien casually said, “Now, I’m getting better for the 200 because, in my head, that’s my weaker event.” Wait. The 200? Her weaker event? This from the same athlete who took silver in Paris with a jaw-dropping 21.86? Who’s currently ranked fourth in the world? The only reason she didn’t take gold was Gabby Thomas outrunning her by three-hundredths of a second.

 

 

Fans feud as Julien Alfred sets the track on fire

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Track fans are known for their passion. But at Miramar, that passion boiled over. One viewer called out the tone of Jackson fans, saying, “You guys are the ones being weird ‘didn’t even sweat’, ”much better” and she lost so I don’t know what you guys are excited about kinda sounds like you’re disrespecting Alfred to me.” And honestly? They have a point.

Julien Alfred just set a national record. She clocked a 36.05 to win the 300m, defeating one of Jamaica’s most decorated sprinters. That kind of performance doesn’t just happen. It comes from relentless work, Olympic grit, and a mentality sharpened by close calls like her silver in Paris. So yes, the hype is deserved. Fans defending her are simply calling for recognition of that moment.

 

Still, the pushback was fierce. One fan posted, “Julien Alfred cannot beat Shericka, Elaine or Shelly. She is not in their class.” But let’s unpack that. Elaine Thompson-Herah is a triple Olympic gold medalist. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce? The “Pocket Rocket” has eight Olympic medals and has redefined what longevity looks like in sprinting, even winning world gold as a 32-year-old mother. Shericka Jackson? A global 200m queen. So sure, Alfred isn’t yet on that legacy tier, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t rapidly making her way up there.

 

The emotion peaked with fans drawing battle lines. “You sound delusional and why still in denial after all these victories haha we can’t hear you from all the way up here,” one fan of the St. Lucian track sensation gloated. “If you look at Shelly’s winning time at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, Julien ran faster. Julien is world class and here to stay.” If you think this is a tough criticism, brace yourself for the next one!

 

“Stop mentioning washed up yesterdays papers.” Yikes! Now that is a harsh jab. But is it fair to classify the likes of Shelly, Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson as people of the past? Surely, not too long ago at the Tokyo Olympics, the three occupied the podium of the women’s 100m event; a true moment of national pride for Jamaica.

As spectacular as Julien Alfred is, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s legacy cannot be erased. She changed the sport forever. What Julien Alfred is doing now doesn’t replace that; it builds on it. This isn’t a generational wipeout. It’s a generational collision. But what do you think about this rivalry? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

 

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A collage of Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge

 

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is set to battle the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon for Ksh4.5 million in Nairobi in April, as the trio is among a contingent of athletes nominated for a prestigious award.

 

The trio is among several big African names nominated for the coveted Africa Golden Awards Best Athlete of the Year 2025 title, with the ceremony set to take place on April 27.

 

Omanyala and Kipchoge headline a star-studded list of nominees, which also includes Chicago Marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto and former 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.

 

The nominations are primarily based on outstanding performances in the 2024 season, which saw some exemplary performances on the global stage.

 

Kipchoge

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s marathon.

 

Besides Kipchoge and Omanyala, Kenya’s sweetheart in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, is also among the nominees. Notably, Kipyegon is a strong contender, as her 2024 season was marked by extraordinary performances on the track, including a victory at the Paris Olympics, where she secured her third consecutive gold in the women’s 1500m.

 

In addition, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m at the same Olympics, which was initially disqualified but overturned after appeal.

 

For Kipchoge, despite a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and record his first-ever Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics, he remains a solid contender for the award based on his legendary status and contribution to the track over the years.

 

On the other hand, Omanyala had a mixed season in 2024, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow before advancing to the Olympic semi-finals, where he placed eighth.

 

Omanyala’s biggest competition will arguably be South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who set a new South African record at the Paris 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final. He also won the men’s 100m, clocking 10.01 in the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League

 

Another sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, will also give the Kenyan contingent tough competition, especially because he achieved a unique milestone by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold by winning the men’s 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

 

The winner will be determined by a vote, which began on March 9 and will run until April 21, with the awards gala set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Nairobi.

 

The overall most-voted nominee will pocket a whopping Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), while the second most-voted nominee will bag Ksh2.5 million. The third most-voted nominee will be feted with Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000).

 

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

 

Omanyala collage

A collage of Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge

 

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is set to battle the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon for Ksh4.5 million in Nairobi in April, as the trio is among a contingent of athletes nominated for a prestigious award.

 

The trio is among several big African names nominated for the coveted Africa Golden Awards Best Athlete of the Year 2025 title, with the ceremony set to take place on April 27.

 

Omanyala and Kipchoge headline a star-studded list of nominees, which also includes Chicago Marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto and former 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.

 

The nominations are primarily based on outstanding performances in the 2024 season, which saw some exemplary performances on the global stage.

 

Kipchoge

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s marathon.

 

Besides Kipchoge and Omanyala, Kenya’s sweetheart in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, is also among the nominees. Notably, Kipyegon is a strong contender, as her 2024 season was marked by extraordinary performances on the track, including a victory at the Paris Olympics, where she secured her third consecutive gold in the women’s 1500m.

 

In addition, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m at the same Olympics, which was initially disqualified but overturned after appeal.

 

For Kipchoge, despite a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and record his first-ever Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics, he remains a solid contender for the award based on his legendary status and contribution to the track over the years.

 

On the other hand, Omanyala had a mixed season in 2024, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow before advancing to the Olympic semi-finals, where he placed eighth.

 

Omanyala’s biggest competition will arguably be South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who set a new South African record at the Paris 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final. He also won the men’s 100m, clocking 10.01 in the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League

 

Another sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, will also give the Kenyan contingent tough competition, especially because he achieved a unique milestone by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold by winning the men’s 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

 

The winner will be determined by a vote, which began on March 9 and will run until April 21, with the awards gala set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Nairobi.

 

The overall most-voted nominee will pocket a whopping Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), while the second most-voted nominee will bag Ksh2.5 million. The third most-voted nominee will be feted with Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000).

 

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

 

Omanyala collage

A collage of Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge

 

NN running team

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is set to battle the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon for Ksh4.5 million in Nairobi in April, as the trio is among a contingent of athletes nominated for a prestigious award.

 

The trio is among several big African names nominated for the coveted Africa Golden Awards Best Athlete of the Year 2025 title, with the ceremony set to take place on April 27.

 

Omanyala and Kipchoge headline a star-studded list of nominees, which also includes Chicago Marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto and former 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.

 

The nominations are primarily based on outstanding performances in the 2024 season, which saw some exemplary performances on the global stage.

 

Kipchoge

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s marathon.

 

Besides Kipchoge and Omanyala, Kenya’s sweetheart in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, is also among the nominees. Notably, Kipyegon is a strong contender, as her 2024 season was marked by extraordinary performances on the track, including a victory at the Paris Olympics, where she secured her third consecutive gold in the women’s 1500m.

 

In addition, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m at the same Olympics, which was initially disqualified but overturned after appeal.

 

For Kipchoge, despite a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and record his first-ever Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics, he remains a solid contender for the award based on his legendary status and contribution to the track over the years.

 

On the other hand, Omanyala had a mixed season in 2024, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow before advancing to the Olympic semi-finals, where he placed eighth.

 

Omanyala’s biggest competition will arguably be South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who set a new South African record at the Paris 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final. He also won the men’s 100m, clocking 10.01 in the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League

 

Another sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, will also give the Kenyan contingent tough competition, especially because he achieved a unique milestone by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold by winning the men’s 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

 

The winner will be determined by a vote, which began on March 9 and will run until April 21, with the awards gala set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Nairobi.

 

The overall most-voted nominee will pocket a whopping Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), while the second most-voted nominee will bag Ksh2.5 million. The third most-voted nominee will be feted with Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000).

 

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

 

 

A collage of Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge

 

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is set to battle the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon for Ksh4.5 million in Nairobi in April, as the trio is among a contingent of athletes nominated for a prestigious award.

 

The trio is among several big African names nominated for the coveted Africa Golden Awards Best Athlete of the Year 2025 title, with the ceremony set to take place on April 27.

 

Omanyala and Kipchoge headline a star-studded list of nominees, which also includes Chicago Marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto and former 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.

 

The nominations are primarily based on outstanding performances in the 2024 season, which saw some exemplary performances on the global stage.

 

Kipchoge

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s marathon.

 

Besides Kipchoge and Omanyala, Kenya’s sweetheart in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, is also among the nominees. Notably, Kipyegon is a strong contender, as her 2024 season was marked by extraordinary performances on the track, including a victory at the Paris Olympics, where she secured her third consecutive gold in the women’s 1500m.

 

In addition, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m at the same Olympics, which was initially disqualified but overturned after appeal.

 

For Kipchoge, despite a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and record his first-ever Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics, he remains a solid contender for the award based on his legendary status and contribution to the track over the years.

 

On the other hand, Omanyala had a mixed season in 2024, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow before advancing to the Olympic semi-finals, where he placed eighth.

 

Omanyala’s biggest competition will arguably be South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who set a new South African record at the Paris 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final. He also won the men’s 100m, clocking 10.01 in the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League

 

Another sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, will also give the Kenyan contingent tough competition, especially because he achieved a unique milestone by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold by winning the men’s 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

 

The winner will be determined by a vote, which began on March 9 and will run until April 21, with the awards gala set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Nairobi.

 

The overall most-voted nominee will pocket a whopping Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), while the second most-voted nominee will bag Ksh2.5 million. The third most-voted nominee will be feted with Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000).

 

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

 

Omanyala collage

A collage of Ferdinand Omanyala and Eliud Kipchoge

 

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala is set to battle the likes of Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon for Ksh4.5 million in Nairobi in April, as the trio is among a contingent of athletes nominated for a prestigious award.

 

The trio is among several big African names nominated for the coveted Africa Golden Awards Best Athlete of the Year 2025 title, with the ceremony set to take place on April 27.

 

Omanyala and Kipchoge headline a star-studded list of nominees, which also includes Chicago Marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto and former 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.

 

The nominations are primarily based on outstanding performances in the 2024 season, which saw some exemplary performances on the global stage.

 

Kipchoge

A picture of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge crossing the line to win the Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s marathon.

 

Besides Kipchoge and Omanyala, Kenya’s sweetheart in the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon, is also among the nominees. Notably, Kipyegon is a strong contender, as her 2024 season was marked by extraordinary performances on the track, including a victory at the Paris Olympics, where she secured her third consecutive gold in the women’s 1500m.

 

In addition, she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000m at the same Olympics, which was initially disqualified but overturned after appeal.

 

For Kipchoge, despite a challenging 2024 season, which saw him finish 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and record his first-ever Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics, he remains a solid contender for the award based on his legendary status and contribution to the track over the years.

 

On the other hand, Omanyala had a mixed season in 2024, finishing fourth at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow before advancing to the Olympic semi-finals, where he placed eighth.

 

Omanyala’s biggest competition will arguably be South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who set a new South African record at the Paris 2024 Olympics by finishing fourth in the men’s 100m final. He also won the men’s 100m, clocking 10.01 in the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League

 

Another sprinter, Letsile Tebogo, will also give the Kenyan contingent tough competition, especially because he achieved a unique milestone by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold by winning the men’s 200m in an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

 

The winner will be determined by a vote, which began on March 9 and will run until April 21, with the awards gala set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Nairobi.

 

The overall most-voted nominee will pocket a whopping Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), while the second most-voted nominee will bag Ksh2.5 million. The third most-voted nomin

ee will be feted with Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000).

 

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

Eliud Kipchoge reacts after Boston Marathon in 2023.

 

On Saturday, April 5, Alfred of Saint Lucia demonstrated her ability to run a longer sprint distance by defeating Jackson, the double world 200-meter champion, in Florida, USA.

At the 2025 Miramar Invitational in the United States on Saturday, April 5, Olympic 100-meter champion Julien Alfred began her outdoor campaign by defeating Jamaican sprinting star Shericka Jackson in the rarely run 300-meter event. The race featured a mouthwatering duel between the double 200-meter world champion Jackson and the newest sprinting export from the Caribbean.

 

Jackson started strong, leading the field in and out of the bend before Alfred finished with a flourish in a national record of 36.05 seconds, with the Jamaican finishing 0.08 seconds behind her and Jessika Gbai of Ivory Coast finishing third in 36.24 seconds.

Jackson, who missed the Paris 2024 Olympics due to an injury sustained on the eve of the global showpiece, made her comeback to the track at the start of the 2025 season.

Alfred, the rising star from Saint Lucia, would take some confidence from the race as she is showing some good speed endurance this early in the season. The short-sprint specialist will fancy her chances of taking reigning world champion Jackson over the half-lap sprint later in the season. “Going forward, I am just going to keep on working hard and trust myself,” Alfred said after the race.

In the men’s 100m, Jamaica’s Rohan Watson defeated compatriot and former world champion Yohan Blake to the line. Watson posted a wind-aided 9.99 seconds for the victory with Blake following behind him in a time of 10.06s. Alex Ogando of the Dominican Republic completed out the podium with 10.14s

 

 

 

 

Kiplimo breaks the World Record in Barcelona, Spain. PHOTO/COURTESY

What you need to know:

Kapchorwa’s highlands to the world’s grandest stages, Kiplimo’s ascent continues – yet beyond the world’s fastest half marathoner remains a humble man who still sees himself as a student of the sport

 

London is calling. And the world knows. The man himself knows even better.

 

To prepare for his highly anticipated full marathon debut in England on April 27 – where he’ll line up alongside legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, and Tamirat Tola – Jacob Kiplimo put in a solid Half Marathon warm-up in Barcelona in February.

 

Solid? Blimey! That doesn’t even begin to describe it. The 24-year-old didn’t just run well – he shattered Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha’s world record from Valencia last October by a massive 48 seconds, blitzing through the 21km in an astonishing 56 minutes and 42 seconds.

 

 

 

Wait – let’s take a moment to put that into perspective. Imagine driving through a school zone where the speed limit is 40 km/hr. Now, picture a man running alongside you – matching your pace, step for step.

 

At two minutes and 41 seconds per kilometre, Kiplimo was averaging about 22.4 km/hr, meaning if you hesitated on the accelerator, he’d be overtaking you on foot. That’s not just running. That’s flying. And that’s Kiplimo.

 

“I am very excited about what I did today,” said the former 10,000m Olympic and World Championships bronze medallist after reclaiming his record.

 

“I started very strong in the first two kilometres to get away from my rivals. As the kilometres passed and I saw that I was going at record pace, I told myself that I had to maintain that pace no matter what it took.”

 

Humility

 

Focused and assertive, yet behind that confidence lies a young man that embodies humility. “He is a humble spirit,” said coach Peter Chelangat, who works with Kiplimo in Kapchorwa at the sports management agency, Rosa Associati, and Nike camp.

 

“He motivates others and has a kind heart. Above all, Jacob is very disciplined. He is early for everything. I’m privileged to work with him.”

 

Chelangat will not take all the credit for coaching Kiplimo, saying the Ugandan great is a product of many hands.

 

“The Rosa Associati provides everything for Jacob here and all the athletes under this management,” explained Chelangat.

 

Chelangat was speaking with the team from the Daily Monitor that travelled to Sebei in February to document stories of the region’s sons and daughters, who have – countless times – put Uganda on the world map.

 

Where they are bred

 

On the day, Chelangat stood on the inside frame of the soccer pitch counting down his runners – male and female – as they did speed work on the dusty Chemwania running track in Kween District.

 

Among these runners at this remote, dusty ground was Kiplimo and Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, who is under the management of Global Sports Communications.

 

Locals watched as the collection of global stars put in their paces. If you drove past, you would never know this place was awash with world medals. Heck, not even Kiplimo knew this speed work in the humble Chemwania was a means to shattering that world record in Barcelona.

 

“I wanted to have a great race, but I didn’t expect to break the world record,” he admitted afterwards.

 

We are talking about a man who was already a two-time world cross-country champion, and former half marathon global record holder going into that eventual historic Barcelona run.

 

Coaching Kiplimo

 

This is no ordinary man, and you have got to have your game up if you are to earn his trust as coach

 

“You have to be confident and patient,” acknowledged coach Chelangat, “And of course you have to know what you are doing. Without these you might fail to handle an athlete of his name.

 

 

Kiplimo is a two-time World Cross Country champion.

“Of course I’m not alone. I coordinate with my colleagues from Rosa Associati in Italy. Together we develop a good, quality training programme and we execute it here on the ground.

 

“It’s collective responsibility. I can’t claim that I’m fully responsible for Jacob’s success. My fellow local coaches, and even his fellow athletes play a part.

 

“The nutritionists, physios, the community that cheers him on, the media, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) as a family are monitoring us. We all share in Jabob’s success.”

 

And now that success takes a completely new, unchartered territory. And that is doing what he did in Barcelona twice, this time in London as Kiplimo debuts a full marathon at the grandest of stages.

 

London memories replay

 

Beautiful memories will welcome Kiplimo to London,13 years after Stephen Kiprotich ended Uganda’s four-decade wait for only the country’s second Olympic gold medal – at the time – since the late John Akii-Bua at the 1978 Munich Games.

 

This, of course, comes with its own pressure, but Kiplimo has, over the years, learnt how to handle that.

 

“This will be my first marathon,” he said, “but I am preparing very well for it and I can’t wait to perform well and record another success. I know competing in a new race for the first time is not always easy, but my body feels really good.”

 

Earlier in February in Kapchorwa, his Ugandan coach, Chelangat, did not want to draw himself into asserting whether this is the right time for Kiplimo to make the transition to a full marathon – and debuting in London at that.

 

“Is it the right move?,” Chelangat wondered, “That’s not the question. The real question is – how far can he push the limits of greatness?

 

“What is indisputable is that Jacob is a special talent. A natural talent. His late father – Stephen Chebet Arap Simba – was a great runner. Almost everyone at his home is a runner.

 

“His brothers Victor Kiplangat and Oscar Chelimo are all Ugandan athletics stars. He can only get better.”

 

And as Uganda’s smiling assassin takes on London, one thing is certain – the world is watching, and Kiplimo is ready.

 

KIPLIMO AT A GLANCE

 

Name: Jacob Kiplimo

 

Date of birth: November 14, 2000

 

Major events: 5000m, 10000m, Half-Marathon

 

Coach: Lacorpo Brasi (Italian)

 

Personal Bests: 12:40.96 (5000m), 26:33.93 (10000m), 56:42 (21km)

 

Manager: Federico Rosa

 

Management: Rosa Associati

 

KIPLIMO’S 21KM CAREER

 

Feb 15, 2025: Barcelona, Half-Marathon (1st, 56:42)

 

Sept 15, 2024: Copenhagen Half-Marathon (2nd, 57:31)

 

Mar 18, 2023: New York Half-Marathon (1st, 61:31)

 

Sept 11, 2022: Great North Run (1st, 59:33)

 

Feb 19, 2022: Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (1st, 57:56)

 

Nov 21, 2021: Lisbon Half-Marathon (1st, 57:31)

 

Dec 6, 2020: Valencia Half-Marathon (2nd, 57:37)

 

Oct 17, 2020: World Half-Marathon (1st, 58:49)

 

Nov 24, 2019: Kampala Half-Marathon (1st, 61:53)

 

Honours at Major Championships

 

Bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 Olympics (10000m)

 

 

 

Olympic 100m gold medal winner Noah Lyles shunned Usain Bolt when it came to selecting the ‘most complete’ sprinter of all time and ended up choosing the Jamaican’s countryman instead.

 

Lyles, 27, claimed gold at Paris 2024 in the men’s 100m and also won a bronze in the 200m event, having also claimed third in the 200m at Tokyo 2020.

 

Lyles will be seeking to defend his 100m title on home soil when the Olympics take place in Los Angeles in 2028.

 

 

 

With only one Olympic gold medal to his name, Lyles currently has seven fewer than Bolt, who is widely regarded by many as the greatest sprinter of all time.

 

Bolt announced his arrival at the Olympics at Beijing 2008 by claiming gold in both the 100m and 200m events.

 

The Lightning Bolt then competed at London 2012 to win gold in both events once again, as well as being part of the victorious 4x100m Jamaican relay team to take his tally to five medals across only two Olympics.

 

 

 

And the now 38-year-old secured his legendary status by achieving yet another clean sweep in the same three events four years later at Rio 2016 to take his tally to an extraordinary eight Olympic golds, before retiring from sprinting the following year.

 

 

Despite being considered the sprinting GOAT, Lyles went in a different direction when it came to naming the most complete 100m runner in his opinion.

 

And he chose Bolt’s compatriot Asafa Powell, who were both part of the Jamaican gold medal winning 4x100m relay team at Rio 2016.

 

 

 

Explaining his reasoning last year to The Final Leg via Pulse Sports, Lyles said: “Truthfully? It’s crazy when I say this because he’s known as a choker, but it’s also powerful. The man puts together perfect races.

 

“His execution of the start, his reaction times, his acceleration, his transition – smooth. It’s relaxed when he’s not under pressure. And he finishes. It never fails.

 

“Everybody who watches his race is like, ‘oh, his world record could have been so much greater.’ And he’s like, ‘yeah, it could have’.”

 

Powell set the 100m world record twice between 2006 and 2007.

 

 

 

But Bolt did so too on three occasions in 2008 and 2009, the most recent being a 9.58 seconds set in Berlin in 2009 – a record which still stands to this day.