The country's hopes of clinching gold in the 100-metre category of the 2022 World Championships is in limbo after Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, failed to travel with the Kenyan team to the US on Tuesday night, July 12.
Speaking exclusively to TeamKenya.co.ke, Omanyala cited Visa delays as the main hurdle curtailing his chance for a gold medal at the global event.
According to the African record holder, the US Embassy had not given exact details about the visa issue, adding that it would communicate with him in due time.
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Omanyala is slated to compete in the 100m category on Friday night, July 15, in Oregon, United States.
"After the State House visit on Tuesday, July 12, we thought all plans were put in place but unfortunately my travel documents had an issue," he stated.
The Embassy is yet to communicate despite the fact that the race is in two days. I hope they will fix it soon."
The athlete noted that he had spoken to the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, who had promised to get to the bottom of the matter.
"It seems the Embassy is not too pleased when we keep making calls but I'm hoping they will sort the issue. Before then, I will keep training," Omanyala affirmed. He currently holds the record of 9.77 seconds in the 100 metres set during the Kip Keino Classic in September 2021.
In June 2022, he handed Kenya its first Africa 100 metres gold title in 32 years, clocking in at 9.93 seconds at the 22nd African Senior Athletics Championships event in Mauritius.
Omanyala expressed hopes of achieving another record in Oregon, pointing out the intense training he has undergone over the past weeks.
He, however, noted that if the visa issue fails to be addressed in due time, he would shift his focus to the Commonwealth Games that will take place later in the month.
The athlete has had a stellar career thus far, shattering both Championships and Continental records.
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