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Omanyala was fifth, crossing the finish line in 10.14 seconds
It was an emotional moment for Kenyans rallying behind Africa’s fastest man and Kenyan sprinting sensation, Ferdinand Omanyala as he exited the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA.
Omanyala defied all odds after a visa delay that saw him touch down just hours to the race but still swept to the semis after coming third in his heat, crossing the tape in 10.10seconds.
Despite not having adequate time to prepare for the race and the jetlag as a result of the long flight, Omanyala was once again on the track on Sunday morning, battling it out for a place in the finals. It was however not a good day in office for the sprint sensation after he crossed the finish line in 10:14 seconds during the race that took place early Sunday, July 17.
READ: Omanyala shines in USA, storms into semis after arriving just hours to the race
He was fifth in the race that saw Oblique Seville of Jamaica who clocked (9:30) win, followed by Marvin Bracy (9:93), Aaron Brown (10:06) and Favour Oghene of Nigeria (10:12).
The results did not impress the sprint sensation who promised a comeback when he takes to the track next time.
"Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter. Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems. No matter how much falls on us, we keep moving," Omanyala said.
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READ: Omanyala's Visa: DCI swings into action targeting top government officials in bribery allegations
Aware of the challenges that saw him arrive in the USA with just three hours to the race, Kenyans rallied behind Omanyala and congratulated him for doing the country proud even as they urged government agencies to get to the bottom of the visa saga.
"Well done Omanyala. Despite all you went through, you did what you had to do! We are proud! As for the Ministry of Sports, if what we are hearing is true, the despicable act must be investigated and action taken against those responsible," journalist, Willis Raburu noted in his congratulatory message.
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