Ferdinand Omanyala has announced that he will take part in four indoor races in France competing in the World Indoor Championships in Serbia.
The Africa 100 metres record holder noted that he would use the four races to polish his starts ahead of the 2022 World Athletics Championships on July 15-24 in Eugene, Oregon, United States.
Omanyala announced on Wednesday, December 15, that he will take part in four indoor races in France in February before competing in the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia in March
France will host seven events in World Athletics Indoor Tour silver and bronze categories in February.
“I pick up late in the 100m races and that is why the 60m indoor races will be quite ideal. My game plan is to polish up on my starts and the entire first phase of the 100m races,” Omanyala pointed out.
Omanyala acknowledged 2021 being a great season for him, having crossed many milestones in his sprinting career.
During the year he became the first Kenyan sprinter to reach the 100m semi-final at the Olympics during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games
“I trended for three months but there is so much to look forward to in 2022,” Omanyala noted.
Omanyala who had paid a courtesy call on Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei thanked AK for the opportunities they have given to sprinters, but urged the federation to have more programmes for them.
“We have only four events in a season but it will be my joy if they are to increase them to between 10 to 15 competitions. I would also like to see all the events held under electronic timing,” Omanyala highlighted.
The sprinter advised fellow athletes to occasionally visit AK’s headquarters at Riadha House to find out what the administration is doing for the sport.
Tuwei on the other hand hailed Omanyala for his exploits, but advised him not to relent in his quest for more glory.
Omanyala set a new Africa record time of 9.77 seconds when he finished second behind Bromell in the men’s 100m on September 18 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
On the other hand, Bromell put behind the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games disappointment to win in 9.76 seconds, which was not only the fastest time run on Africa soil, but also a world lead.