Africa’s Fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala Passes Torch to Next Generation in Botswana

Ferdinand Omanyala . IMAGE/ Team Kenya

Africa’s Fastest Man Ferdinand Omanyala Passes Torch to Next Generation in Botswana

Festus Chuma 14:08 - 13.04.2025

Omanyala inspired young athletes in Botswana before finishing second to Akani Simbine at the Golden Grand Prix.

Ferdinand Omanyala took time out of his intense training schedule to inspire upcoming athletes at the FNB Grand Prix Schools in Botswana ahead of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

The Africa’s fastest man met with young athletes in Gaborone where he delivered an inspiring message of perseverance, purpose, and passion.

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In a statement, Omanyala urged the next generation to stay focused on their dreams.

“Talent is everywhere, but it takes dedication and discipline to rise to the top,” Omanyala said in a post shared on his social media pages.

“Start now, start where you are. Your journey matters.”

Omanyala reminded stakeholders of the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.

“The future of athletics rests in your hands. Run with purpose, and run with heart,” he added.

Omanyala was also all business on the track at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix on Saturday.

Track Battles and Record Chases: Simbine and Omanyala Rivalry Reignites

In the 100 meters race, Omanyala led through the midway mark but it was South Africa’s Akani Simbine who stormed past in the final stretch, clocking a world-leading 9.90 seconds to clinch victory at the National Stadium.

Omanyala finished second with an impressive season-best time of 10.00 seconds, which also secured his qualification for the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

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Omanyala snatched both the African record and Commonwealth Games gold from Simbine in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The Kenyan blazed to a 9.77 African record in 2021 before clinching the Commonwealth title in Birmingham the following year.

Joining them on the podium was South Africa’s Mlenga Retshidisitswe, who clocked 10.15 to secure third, while Kenya’s Mark Otieno came in fourth with a season-best of 10.22.

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