Ferdinand Omanyala counting on Ksh5m Tusker sponsorship as he begins Olympics medal hunt

Ferdinand Omanyala counting on Ksh5m Tusker sponsorship as he begins Olympics medal hunt

Joel Omotto 10:29 - 02.08.2024

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala feels the Ksh5 million boost from Tusker will play a huge part in his bid to secure an Olympics medal in Paris.

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala is counting on the Ksh5 million sponsorship from Tusker to push him to Olympics glory.

Omanyala will begin his Olympics assignment on Saturday in the men’s 100m heats and his preparations have been boosted by the huge outlay from the brewers who are keen to see him on the podium.

“I am thrilled to team up with Tusker for my monumental season, including my journey to the Paris Olympics 2024! This amazing partnership means I can focus solely on my performance this weekend and beyond. Let's make history together,” Omanyala posted on social media.

The Commonwealth champion has embraced a laid-back strategy in 2024 in a bid to ease pressure and be ready to hit top heights at the Olympics with his training programme geared towards peaking in Paris.

He will take to the track as the second fastest man this year following his 9.79 recorded at the Kenyan Olympics trials in June and which is only bettered by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who has 7.77.

“This partnership with Tusker comes at a crucial time as I ramp up my training for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This support will enhance my preparations and also inspire me to achieve greater heights,” Omanyala said when the deal was signed.

“I have been working tirelessly with my coaching team to ensure I am in peak form for the Games. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making Kenya proud on the global stage. I urge all Kenyans to rally behind Team Kenya and cheer us on as we aim to bring the medals home from Paris.”

Omanyala will begin with the 100m heats at 12.35 Kenyan time on Saturday and has no margin for error if he has to make it to the next round given the tough competition in the race.

The 28-year-old managed a semi-final appearance at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics but there is great hope for an improved performance in Paris.