Mark Otieno has reacted after stamping authority in his season-opening race at the third Athletics Kenya weekend meet.
Mark Otieno announced his return to the track on the opening day of the third Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meet held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, January 26.
Otieno stormed to the semifinal of the 100m after displaying class in the heats where he crossed the finish line first in 10.42.
The three-time national champion expressed his excitement to have finally come back and posted on his Instagram stories saying: “It was a great day in the office. Grateful…Race one done and dusted.”
17:17 - 26.01.2024
ATHLETICS Ferdinand Omanyala impresses on day one of the third Athletics Kenya weekend meet
Ferdinand Omanyala was in a class of his own as he showcased his prowess to dominate the men's 200m heats on day one of the third Athletics Kenya meet.
This marks Otieno’s first competition on home soil after completing his doping ban back on July 30, 2023, and he was eligible to compete from August 1.
Last season, he competed at the 5° Meeting Brazzale, Campo Scuola G. Perraro in Vicenza, Italy where he won in his heat before finishing second in the final. In the heats, he clocked 10.47 before lowering the time to 10.39 in the final of the event.
Otieno was one of Kenya’s most promising sprinters before the rise of Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and his comeback has proven that he is out to challenge for the top prize.
18:06 - 17.01.2024
ATHLETICS Great start to Olympic season for sprinter Mark Otieno as he welcomes bouncing baby boy
Sprinting star Mark Otieno is surely enjoying the Olympic season, which has seen him and his wife, Stephanie Odhiambo welcome a bouncing baby boy.
Before his ban, the Kenyan had represented the country at the 2017, 2019, and 2021 World Athletics Relays.
He was also part of the Kenyan team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the 2017 World Championships in London. He also competed at the 2015 All-Africa Games and the 2016 and 2019 African Championships.