Africa's fastest man in the 100m, Ferdinand Omanyala, says he is pumped up for the world record of 9.58 currently held by Jamaican Usain Bolt after setting a time of 9.77 at Saturday's Kip Keino Classic.
Omanyala, who was gifted a brand new Toyota Harrier by betting firm OdiBets on Wednesday, said such gestures have only increased his desire to repay the faith with a shot at the world record.
"Now that I have come this far, there is no reason why I should not set a new record. All that is required is to maintain the focus ahead and believe in myself," the Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist said.
Accompanied by his wife, Lavender Amutavi and father, Dishon Omurwa during a luncheon in his honour at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi, Omanyala recalled the financial challenges he experienced not so long ago.
"OdiBets came at the right time, when I needed them. It's through them that I was able to focus on my training and break the African record," he said.
The national 100m record holder added: "Thank you for believing in me. For all your support, I had to repay the faith by running sub 10 seconds to break the African record as I had always desired this year."
Apart from breaking the African record, the Kitale-born runner also etched his name into the world record books as the eighth fastest man — seven places behind Bolt.
Others in the all-time list include American Tyson Gay and Jamaican Yohan Blake (9.69), Jamaican Asafa Powell (9.72) and Americans Justin Gatlin (9.74), Christian Coleman (9.76) and Trayvon Bromell (9.76).
During the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event on home soil, Omanyala finished second behind Bromell whose time of 9.76 is the fastest this year.
Former Olympic champion Gatlin finished third in 10.03.
Omanyala, whose time beat the previous African record of 9.84 by South African Akane Simbine, said he has learnt that nothing is impossible following his feats this year in which he broke the national record four times.
"I now believe nothing is impossible. I hope that my achievements this year will be a living example to Kenyan sprinters that their dreams are attainable," he said.
Speaking at the same event, Dedan Mungai, OdiBets general manager, said the sprinter has flown the Kenyan flag high and deserves the accolades he is currently getting.
"We as a company are proud to associate with Omanyala, who has proven beyond all means that Kenya can conquer the world in sprints. We wish him all the best in his endeavours as he has the character, resilience, endurance and grace," said Mungai.
