Ferdinand Omanyala’s Mother Lifts Lid on Africa’s Fastest Man’s Struggles Before Stardom

Ferdinand Omanyala has worked his way to become one of the world’s top sprinters but according to his mother, that dream might never have been realised.

Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, whose personal best of 9.77 seconds, ranks as the 10 fastest of all-time, has won numerous titles in Africa and on the globe even though he is still waiting for a major championship medal.

The sprinter has earned global acclaim for his prowess in the 100m, a race that Kenyans do not usually perform well in, and continues to compete favourably with the world’s top sprinters.

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However, according to his mother Adelaide Omurwa, the 29-year-old, now a big role model to millions around the world, would not have reached those lofty standards were it not for his never say die attitude.

“Most of the children here now believe they can make something out of their talents because they have seen one of their own do it,” she told Mozzart Sport when the sprinter hosted members of his community for a major Christmas celebration.

“They tell me, ‘If Omanyala, our neighbour, can succeed, then we can also try.’ That makes me very proud.”

Omanyala, who started out as a rugby player before he was convinced to try out sprints while in school, faced a number of hurdles that Adelaide thought it was not cut out for him.

Given the lack of training facilities and support for sprinters in Kenya, the then budding sprinter needed a strong spirit to keep going and his mother credits him for not giving up.

“There was a time when things were very tough, and I even thought maybe he should try other sports where opportunities seemed more available. But his zeal, discipline, and resilience kept him going, and that is what has brought him this far,” she added.

Now a Commonwealth gold medalist, a two-time African champion and with numerous Diamond League series wins under his belt, Omanyala continues to mesmerize on the track with his eyes firmly on a World Championship and Olympics medal.

“I always remind him to keep working hard because the best is yet to come,” said Adelaide.

Omanyala had a challenging 2025 season when injuries also disrupted him before missing the 100m final at the World Championships, but he will be hoping for a better 2026 after reuniting with his former coach Duncan Ayiemba.