Kenya sprint sensation giving women sleepless nights
From drooling over newspaper pictures that capture his well-toned body to thronging the stands to watch him live, Omanyala's female secret admirers are finding it difficult to keep their feelings concealed
A good number of Kenya ladies are experiencing sleepless nights over Kenya's newest track sensation Ferdinand Omanyala.
From drooling over newspaper pictures that capture his well-toned body to thronging the stands to watch him live, Omanyala's female secret admirers are finding it difficult to keep their feelings concealed.
One can easily understand their plight.
The 26-year-old sprinter — a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Nairobi College of Biological and Physical Sciences — has been the talk of town after dashing to a world-leading time of 9.85 seconds over 100m at the Kip Keino Classic held at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday.
Olympic 100m silver medalist, American Fred Kerley, clocked 9.92 in second as his fellow countryman, Isaiah Young, came third in a season-best of 10.13.
The showdown could have been more tantalising had Olympic 100m champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs not pulled out on the eve of competition due to illness.
Omanyala's splendid form mesmerised local sports enthusiasts led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Primer Minister Raila Odinga.
The African 100m record-holder's meteoric rise attests to the dazzling heights local athletes can reach if they are provided with a conducive environment and opportunities for growth and development.
He has singlehandedly managed to deconstruct the myth that Kenya only has the capacity to produce middle and long-distance runners.
Addressing the media moments after his historic exploits on the track, Omanyala said he firmly believes in the country's genius to mould world beaters in the sprints.
"It feels nice...I promised a show and I delivered. We are just beginning the season and we have around three months before the World Championships. This was part of the preparations. All these other guys (sprints giants) are just like us Kenyans...we only just need to tap the talent," Omanyala said.
