Ferdinand Omanyala shares secret to success with budding athletes
By Luke Oluoch, June 20, 2026Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has encouraged young athletes to remain committed and disciplined, describing these traits as the key to sustaining a competitive edge and elite performance.
Speaking on Saturday, June 20, 2026, moments after dominating the Kenyan Athletics Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium, Omanyala clocked a blistering 10.00 seconds to claim victory. Following the race, he urged his fellow athletes to maintain strict discipline and keep pushing their boundaries.
Omanyala shared these sentiments while also praising the emergence of a strong national relay team system in the country.
Message to upcoming athletes
“One day I was just like them; I never believed I would be here. So, in this life, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to,” Omanyala said, directing his message to the young fans who had gathered at Nyayo Stadium to watch him race.
The sprint champion also offered encouraging words to rising star Clinton Aluvi of the National Police Service. The reigning Under-20 champion finished fourth in the highly competitive race, crossing the line just behind Meschack Babu and veteran sprinter Mark Otieno.
Omanyala’s impressive 2026
“They were chasing me and recorded great times. They have to keep pushing and trying harder. At one point, I was running the exact times they are running now, so I have to encourage them to stick with it. They have to keep showing up and pushing themselves as the days go by,” he added.
The 100m sprinter has enjoyed a splendid year, showcasing elite form with multiple sub-10-second runs across the Wanda Diamond League circuit, continental events, and international meets. His standout performance was the blistering finish in the Xiamen leg, where he blazed across the finish line in an impressive 9.94 seconds on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Looking ahead, he noted that his calendar remains highly focused on major global titles.
2026 FBK Games in Hengelo
“The ultimate championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Diamond League final have all been in my plans and sights. My main target this season is the Commonwealth Games, but of course, the other events are also important. We are just taking it one event at a time,” he said.
His next stop in an ever-busy calendar takes him straight to Europe for the men’s 100m at the 2026 FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands.
“I am racing tomorrow in the Netherlands. It is a small world; never worry, you will see me there tomorrow. Never worry; I might be taking a private jet, and I will be there. It will be around 5:00 pm,” he jibed.