Africa’s
fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala/HANDOUTAfrica’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has vowed to focus
on full physical and mental recovery after what he described as the toughest
season of his career.
Reflecting on the 2025 athletics season, the Kenyan sprint
star admitted that it came with considerable challenges, including injuries and
the absence of a sub-10-second performance in the 100m.
“The 2025 season presented considerable challenges, marking
the most difficult one I have experienced. There were no sub-10 performances,
couple of injuries along the way,” Omanyala said.
Despite the setbacks, Omanyala highlighted key achievements
such as podium finishes, setting a new African record in the 150m and making
progress off the track.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support I received
from those who truly mattered. I extend my sincere appreciation to my sponsors,
for their continued belief in me. Your support was instrumental in preventing
me from prematurely ending the season,” he noted.
The Commonwealth Games champion stressed that his journey
requires patience and resilience.
He insisted this is the reason he will now focus on his
physical and mental recovery ahead of the 2026 season.
“As this season concludes, my primary focus is to achieve
complete physical and mental recovery. I believe that I am not behind, but
rather, I am traversing a path that demands greater patience than others,”
Omanyala added.
His remarks come as the sprinting world looks ahead to the
2026 calendar, where Omanyala is expected to mount a strong comeback on the
international stage.
Omanyala missed out on the 100m final after finishing 5th in
10.09s at the World Championships.
His campaign came to an unceremonious end on Sunday,
September 14, after finishing fifth in a highly competitive semi-final heat.
The 29-year-old clocked 10.09 seconds in Heat 2 of the
semis, falling short of the top two automatic qualifying spots.
The race proved too steep a challenge for Africa’s fastest
man, as American Kenny Bednarek and Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson edged a photo
finish with identical times of 9.85 seconds, securing their places in the
final.
Omanyala had earlier qualified for the semi-finals after
finishing third in his quarterfinal heat.
