Kenyan sprinting sensation Ferdinard Omanyala has opted out of the Ostrava Golden Spike race slated for Tuesday, May 30, in the Ostrava area of the Czech Republic.
Speaking to Teamkenya.co.ke on Monday, May 30, the African record holder confirmed he will not be in the Czech city for the much-anticipated showdown between him and sprinting star Yohan Blake.
Omanyala has chosen to forego the race to have enough time to rest, recover and prepare for the Africa Athletics Championship slated to kick off on June 8, 2022, in Mauritius.
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“I would have competed on Tuesday, then come back on Wednesday and by the time I return to training it is Friday," he stated.
"The recovery and training time would not have been enough to be in good shape for Mauritius. We spoke with my coaching team and decided it’s best to prioritize the Africa Championship,” the University of Nairobi student added.
Omanyala seeks to consolidate his energy and time with the hope of scooping the African Champion title if he wins both the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100m races.
The Africa Athletics Championship Kenyan team, which has already begun preparations, frequently meets at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed enormous success in the season with a recent 10.11 seconds Meet Record in Zecchini stadium in Germany.
Omanyala came second in Germany after Sri Lankan Mudiyanselage Yupun Abeykoon who earned a personal best time of 10.04 making it Omanyala's first runners-up position finish in the season.
As it stands, Omanyala is the 8th fastest man of all time in the 100 meters after clocking a time of 9.77 on Sep 18, 2021, in Nairobi.
Omanyala gained fame after Kenya Olympic Games Trials at Kasarani stadium and has since rubbed shoulders with Kenyan leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta.