Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has issued a statement as he bows out of the 100m final race following his defeat at Eugene’s Hayward Field semi-finals during the World Athletic Championships in Oregon, USA.
Omanyala clocked 10.14 to finish fifth in Heat three in a race won by Jamaica youngster Oblique Seville who clocked 9.90 ahead of Marvin Bracy(9.93) of the USA.
In a statement on his social media, the 26-year-old says this is another stepping stone in his career to steer him forward and mould him into a better athlete.
“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,” he tweeted.
Omanyala has been the centre of attraction over the last couple of days following his visa ordeal.
He, among other athletes, was at the risk of being locked out of the Oregon 2022 competitions after visa delays which stirred controversy on social media.
However, at the last minute, through the intervention of the Ministry of sports and the President, Omanyala was issued his visa to travel and hours later qualified for the semi-final race after coming third.
PHOTO/Courtesy
