Omanyala lays out plans for new season

Africa 100 metres record holder Ferdinand Omanyala will use the World Athletics Indoor Tour in Europe in February to polish his starts ahead of the 2022 World Athletics Championships on July 15-24 in Eugene, Oregon, United States.

Omanyala said Wednesday that he will take part in four indoor races in France in February and, thereafter, compete in the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on March 18-20.

France will host seven events in World Athletics Indoor Tour silver and bronze categories in February. 

“I pick up late in the 100m races and that is why the 60m indoor races will be quite ideal. My game plan is to polish up on my starts and the entire first phase of the 100m races,” said Omanyala, who has been doing intense training at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani before the new season.

Omanyala said that the 2021 was a great season for him, having crossed many milestones in his sprinting career. “I trended for three months but there is so much to look forward to in 2022,” said Omanyala, who had paid a courtesy call on Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei.

Omanyala thanked AK for the opportunities they have given to sprinters, but urged the federation to have more programmes for them.

“We have only four events in a season but it will be my joy if they are to increase them to between 10 to 15 competitions. I would also like to see all the events held under electronic timing,” explained Omanyala, who has now been signed by the National Police Service team.

Omanyala said he is ready for the new season where he hopes for another showdown with this year’s fastest man, American Trayvon Bromell.

The sprinter advised fellow athletes to occasionally visit AK’s headquarters at Riadha House to find out what the administration is doing for the sport.

Tuwei hailed Omanyala for his exploits, but advised him not to relent in his quest for more glory. 

Omanyala dashed to a new Africa record time of 9.77 seconds when he finished second behind Bromell in the men’s 100m during the Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour on September 18 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The previous Africa record of 9.84 was held by South African Akani Simbine.

On the other hand, Bromell put behind the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games disappointment to win in 9.76 seconds, which was not only the fastest time run on Africa soil, but also a world lead.

Omanyala, the first Kenyan sprinter to reach the 100m semi-final at the Olympics during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, is now the eighth all-time fastest 100m sprinter, while Bromell is tied in sixth place with fellow countryman Christian Coleman.

Retired Jamaican legend Usain Bolt set the World Record time of 9.58 set at the 2009 Berlin World Championships.