Ferdinand Omanyala responds to critics over claims he only records fast times in Kenya

Ferdinand Omanyala responds to critics over claims he only records fast times in Kenya

Abigael Wafula 09:00 - 28.07.2024

Ferdinand Omanyala has responded to people questioning why he only runs fast times in Kenya.

Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala has responded to the people claiming he only runs faster times in Kenya.

Omanyala shattered the African record at the 2021 Kip Keino Classic, held at the Moi International Sports Center. He clocked an impressive 9.77 to win the race.

This season, Africa’s fastest man also set a world leading time of 9.79 at the Kenyan Olympic trials at the Nyayo National Stadium. However, his world lead was replaced by Kishane Thompson who clocked a stunning 9.77 to win the Jamaican trials in Kingston.

Following his time, netizens came out to say he only runs fast times in Kenya. However, Omanyala defended himself, explaining that even Jamaicans post fast times in their countries and no one ever attacks them or teases them. He noted that after his world lead, he knew social media would blow up.

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“I knew it was going to blow up the internet…I knew it. There is a lot of talk and stuff that I only run fast times in Kenya,” he said.

"But it’s not nice because Jamaicans run fast in their country but nobody speaks. Those guys in America also run fast in their country but it’s okay for them to run fast in their country but not Omanyala, I don’t know why. That’s not nice guys, it’s not nice,” Omanyala added.

Speaking about his preparation for the Olympic Games, Omanyala noted that he is mentally prepared and strong to take on his opponents. He added that the training camp in Miramas has played a huge role in his doing well in Paris.

“I just can’t wait because the last Olympics I was going in as a rookie because I had not competed with the crème de la crème of athletics. Now we are going in as one of the fastest athletes of 2023,” he said.

“Miramas has given us all the right conditions for us to perform well and of course, we appreciate the National Olympic Committee for organising this for us.”