M. KisengeFerdinand Omanyala's big request to President William Ruto
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 13.06.23. | 17:16
The African champion has already qualified for the World Athletics Championships set for August 19-27 in Budapest
Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala seized the moment when he was requested to give his remarks at State House on Tuesday and requested President William Ruto to facilitate the change of the worn-out tartan track at the Kasarani Annex.
Omanyala, was among the handful of athletes invited at State House for the reception of the newly-crowned 1500m and 5000m record holder Faith Kipyegon.
The multiple Olympic champion was treated to a royal welcome on Tuesday morning to celebrate her incredible success in the Florence and Paris Diamond League series where she shattered two world records within a week.
When the African 100m champion was handed the opportunity to address those in attendance, he boldly revealed that, the track at Kasarani Annex was in bad shape and asked the Head of State to swing into action and deliver a new one for the benefit of the tens of athletes who train at the facility.
“I train at kasarani and the warm up track is completely worn out. If you can make that as we head to the Olympics that will be a great pleasure,” requested the African record holder amid nods from Ruto who handed the sprinter two million shillings.
Omanyala, who has already qualified for the World Athletics Championships set for August 19-27 in Budapest promised to deliver a medal in the 100m dash.
No athlete from Africa has ever medaled in the race but Omanyala who holds the world’s leading time this year pledged to break the existing norm by finishing inside the top three bracket.
“I promise in two months’ time I will be getting a medal at the World Championships. It has never happened before in world. The progression is going on well, with the support that you’ve promised, I really appreciate it,” he added.
The Kenya Police runner has been on top of his game this season, registering wins in the two legs of the South African Grand Prix, Kip Keino Classic and the Botswana Grand Prix.
He settled for a third place finish in Florence and was second in Paris Diamond League.
