'What Will You Have to Show?' – Ferdinand Omanyala Warns Young Runners on Ignoring Education

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'What Will You Have to Show?' – Ferdinand Omanyala Warns Young Runners on Ignoring Education

Abigael Wafula 18:30 - 16.07.2025

Ferdinand Omanyala has urged young athletes to stay in school, warning that education is the only lasting asset once their sporting careers end.

Ferdinand Omanyala has advised youngsters to combine track and field with education if they want to secure a bright future.

A student of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi himself, Ferdinand Omanyala, revealed that most youngsters always come into the sport, and after gaining some money and fame, they let go of their books.

The reigning Commonwealth Games champion further noted that retirement comes fast, and if they had not planned well, then they would be setting themselves up for failure.

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Ferdinand Omanyala: Never Stop Going to School

Ferdinand Omanyala
Ferdinand Omanyala

The fastest man in Africa also pointed out that most of the time, athletes are always loved for what they bring to the table, which is mainly great results.

However, once they retire, no one remembers the good they did, and then, education is the only thing that can save them.

He added that no one can take away the knowledge an athlete has, unless they die. Ferdinand Omanyala urged the youngsters to avoid letting the little things of the world get into their heads, insisting that money will always come and go.

“Never stop going to school…sometimes athletes always feel like competing is just enough. Imagine you guys are in the under-20 category; it’s sad that at some point, you will retire,” Ferdinand Omanyala told youngsters before they departed for the Confederation of African Athletics U-18/U-20 Championships.

“People love you now because you are performing well, but the moment you retire, nobody will think about you, and then what do you have to show? When you have knowledge, no one will take that away from you except when you die.

“If you don’t have anything else to show after retirement, you will get depressed because you were only focusing on athletics. When you are told to go to school, don’t feel like someone is wasting your time.”

Ferdinand Omanyala’s powerful message to young athletes serves as a timely reminder that while sporting glory may be fleeting, education remains a lasting asset.

He continues insisting that education can provide purpose, identity, and security long after the track has been left behind.