For years, the sprinting world has been dominated by blazing rivalries- Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin, then there is Sha’Carri Richardson who is always at loggerheads with Shericka Jackson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. But as the Diamond League approaches, one Olympic star is making it clear: he’s not here just to chase podium finishes. Fresh off a strong season opener, sets 100m record at Mandela National Stadium on March 29. But it was not medals, there was something else the track sensation had his eyes set on- a bigger purpose. If history tells us anything, Kenyans never back down from a challenge. That star is Ferdinand Omanyala. But what is this mission he is on?
Sprinting has always been a tough battleground, dominated by familiar powerhouses. But for Omanyala, it’s not about records or medals; it’s about creating his legacy. And he’s not doing it alone. With like-minded athletes by his side, Omanyala is on a mission to reshape the future of sprinting, and his recent exploits on the track have proved that he is not far off from etching his name in the history of track.
Ferdinand Omanyala made his 2025 debut in style, cruising to victory in the 100m heat at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium with a solid 10.09-second finish. After six months away from competitive racing, he admitted it felt a little unusual to be back on the track. While talking to ‘NTV Uganda,’ Omanyala shared his thoughts and how he is bothered about the sprinting, and not only the medals. “Felt weird to run after six months, but again, I mean, it was just about getting off the rust and, you know, getting back to competing the way I compete, so I’m excited,” he said, embracing the challenge ahead.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 100m Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 03, 2024. Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya reacts after finishing first place in heat 2. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
But for the Kenyan track star, sprinting is about much more than just winning races. He’s on a mission to change the way the world sees East African athletics. The former rugby player, who switched to sprinting and became a global force, refuses to accept the long-standing belief that Kenya is only built for long-distance running. “I mean, it’s not written anywhere that Kenya is for long distance; either it’s written that the U.S. is for short distance. So it’s only in the mind. I was a very fast rugby player, so I just switched,” he explained. His focus isn’t on medals but on making an impact.
The track sensation isn’t just looking forward to the medals he could earn at the World Championships, his goal is greater than that. “What I want to do is encourage as many sprinters as possible.” Omanyala isn’t just thinking about Kenya—he’s working to grow sprinting across the entire East African region. One of the athletes he’s closely collaborating with is Ugandan sprinter Tarsis Orogot, who is currently based in Alabama.
“He’s a great guy. I’ve seen him grow; I’ve seen him get to where he is right now, and it’s a good friendship. Actually, we spoke yesterday about what I want to do for sprinters in Uganda. So in the future, you shall see us working together,” Omanyala shared, hinting at exciting plans ahead. By his pace, mentality, and resolute nature, Omanyala is not only making a new story for himself but also setting a new standard for the coming East African sprinters. And part of that journey includes going head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the sport—none more prominent than Noah Lyles.
Ferdinand Omanyala is leading a new era in sprinting and challenging the global order
For decades, sprinting has been all about the usual powerhouses—the U.S. leading the charge, with South Africa seen as Africa’s main contender. But then came Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, flipping the script with his blistering speed. When he clocked an African record of 9.77 seconds at the 2021 Kip Keino Classic, he didn’t just make history—he sent a message. Kenya wasn’t just about long-distance dominance anymore. Sprinting had a new force to reckon with- so American sprinters better watch out!
Ferdinand Omanyala’s rivalry with American sprinter Noah Lyles transcends mere competition; it embodies a profound contrast in philosophies. Lyles, a dominant force in the 200m, boasts multiple World Championship titles and is renowned for his relentless pursuit of records and Olympic golds. Omanyala, on the other hand, is driven by a broader vision: to elevate African sprinting on the global stage.
Omanyala’s dominance could be seen in 2024, when he clocked a world-leading time of 9.79 seconds in the 100m, positioning himself ahead of many top American sprinters and signaling a shift in the global sprinting hierarchy. This achievement not only underscores his personal prowess but also serves as an inspiration for African athletes— this feat made him the fastest man of 2024. Olanyala is moving ahead with his goal, but only time will tell how.
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