Africa's fastest man has revealed why he remains unfazed as young African sprinters close in on his record.
Ferdinand Omanyala has expressed his excitement over the rise of young African sprinters, even though they pose a threat to his 9.77-second African record.
The reigning Commonwealth Games champion, who became the fastest man in Africa after breaking Akani Simbine's mark at the 2021 Kip Keino Classic, welcomes the new wave of talent led by Letsile Tebogo, Bayanda Walaza, and Kayinsola Ajayi.
Despite the growing competition, Omanyala remains unfazed, saying he embraces the challenge and sees it as a driving force that pushes African sprinting to new heights.
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Ferdinand Omanyala: I Will Not Be the Only One Sitting on The Throne
Ferdinand Omanyala explained that Africa has always had talented sprinters since back then, and he is glad that they are now being noticed.
The Kenyan national record holder pointed out that the upcoming sprinters are motivated by the achievements met by Akani Simbine, Olympic 200m champion, Letsile Tebogo and himself.
Ferdinand Omanyala added that with the rise of talent, the level of competition in Africa will be high, and he will not be the only one at the top.
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He added that with the high competition, the veteran sprinters will be forced to put in extra effort and cement their places, which promises faster times and impactful performances in competitions.
“I mean, South Africa has had sprinters since, Botswana has had the same thing. The product that you see right now is something that has been built up from four or five years ago. So, it’s not like they have not been there,” Ferdinand Omanyala said in an interview on Homeboyz Radio.
“They have been there in the circuit, they have been running, and they have looked into inspirations from me, Simbine and Tebogo, and now it’s a force that’s coming from Africa.
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“I like it that the competition is getting tighter, within the continent, we are going to have the competition, and I will not be the only one sitting on the throne. That’s a wake-up call to the seniors.”
As the next generation of African sprinters continues to rise, Ferdinand Omanyala welcomes the challenge with pride, seeing it as proof that the continent’s sprinting future is brighter than ever. For him, sharing the throne is not a threat.