FERDINAND OMANYALA – KENYA’S OLYMPICS 100M BEACON OF HOPE

The proclaimed fastest sprinter in Africa, Omanyala, had a meteoritic rise to fame over the past few years. From Kitale roots to racing stardom, his journey to becoming the 9th fastest man in the 100m is an inspiring story

The Kenyan icon who refers to himself as “the Cheetah” has had a steady rise to fame as a former rugby player turned Olympic athlete.

His goal was always to be an Olympian and, buoyed by his performances in the recent past, Ferdinand stands as a real contender to take the gold medal at the Paris games later in July.

Busting onto the scene in 2016, his fast start was halted by a back injury the following year. This saw him step away from the sport for 14 months that also ended with the birth of his son. It was truly a bittersweet period for the future 100m record holder.

The long injury forced the star to get a job transporting metals earning Kes 700 a day to make ends meet, spelling a truly dark period in his life. Omanyala’s sheer determination and will to succeed brought him back from obscurity and he has never looked back ever since.

The climax so far in his career was his first Olympic qualification in Tokyo 2021, a memory he holds dear to this day as he intends to repeat this feat in Paris in July. Despite his 9th place finish in the heats, this lasting Olympic memory still inspires him to this day.

Dedication and poise are traits his long-term coach Geoffrey Kimani whole heartedly attributes to him. His consistency and attention to detail are core competencies he employs at each training session. Currently the 100m runner is focusing on his speed, strength, and mobility. According to Kimani, increased flexibility and leanness in body will influence his speed and start time as he ramps up his training for the Paris 2024 Games.

All eyes will be on the Kenyan sprinter whose current goal is to clock the 99.6 second mark, a feat he is yet to achieve in his already electric career.

Off the track, Kitale is a refuge for the star. A place he can get to take off his athletic cap, replacing it with this fatherly hat. His two kids, Quinton Fin and Flocy Olivia, call their dad the fastest man in the world - a promise he carries with him when he steps on the track for each race.

His love for Rugby is still as strong as ever. He says if it were not for his success on the track the path, he would have firmly led down the 7s rugby trail.

Now qualified for the Paris 2024 Games, his eyes are set on the ultimate prize. We are not sure what the future holds for Ferdinand Omanyala, but his will to win and indomitable Kenyan spirit will see him crowned a Champion long before he ever steps foot on the starting line.