World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has given Kenya’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, inspiring words of advice.
This was on the sidelines of the Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) Awards at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Wednesday.
Kipchoge implored Omanyala to have the right character if he is to enjoy a successful career in athletics.
“You have the right muscle; you have the right speed. But in the end, you need to be a value-oriented person,” Kipchoge counselled Omanyala.
“If you don’t have values, you can’t inspire anyone and you lose your humanity. Character is what shall set you apart,” Kipchoge went on.
The marathoner, who is the only human to have ever done a marathon in under 2 hours, also advised Omanyala to watch what he consumes.
“You need to watch what goes into your mouth, as well as what goes into your mind.”
“Treat this sport as a profession. It will take you places. You will be exposed to different people and cultures,” Kipchoge implored.
Omanyala was named the 2021 Sportsman of the Year at the SOYA Awards, shrugging off competition from Eliud Kipchoge, athlete Emmanuel Korir, rugby star Alvin ‘Bufa’ Otieno and veteran rally driver Carl Tundo.
1500m Olympic Champion Faith became the best sportswoman of the year 2021, ahead of rally driver Maxine Wahome, athlete Peres Jepchirchir, Harambee Starlets influential forward Jentrix Shikangwa, tennis star Angela Okutoyi and volleyballer Sharon Chepchumba.
The Kenya 7s rugby team was named the Men’s sports team of the year, while Vihiga Queens, which represented Kenya at the African Women Club Champions League, was named the Women Sports team of the year.
Kipchoge has, in the meantime, secured sponsorship from INEOS to challenge for a record-breaking run of three consecutive Olympic marathon titles in 2024.