Omanyala explains advantage of Africa hosting more World Athletics-sanctioned competitions

The steady rise of top-level athletics events across Africa is proving to be a breakthrough for athletes on the continent, just like Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala, who admits that this signals a long-overdue shift in how athletics on the continent is being recognised globally.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

In recent years, Africa has seen a surge in World Athletics-sanctioned competitions, including the Kip Keino Classic, Botswana Grand Prix, World Relays held in Botswana, Simbine Classic in South Africa, and the Ethiopia Grand Prix.

For the 2026 season, the continent continues to strengthen its presence on the global athletics calendar, with key World Athletics Gold Label events such as the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi and the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race in Nigeria.

World & Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet over the moon after surprise baby shower [PHOTOS]

Kenya also continues to host elite cross-country competitions through the Sirikwa Classic and the Chepsaita Cross Country.

The Addis Ababa Grand Prix in Ethiopia, which made its debut in 2026, has already earned elevation to Gold Label status starting in 2027.

According to Omanyala, the emergence of these events is easing the burden on African athletes who have traditionally been forced to travel extensively to Europe and other regions in search of ranking points and competitive races.

“It means a lot because it now means we no longer have to travel long distances to other countries in search of races and ranking points. It feels like African athletes are finally being appreciated,” Omanyala told Mozzart Sport.

The 2026 Kip Keino Classic champion went on to note that the growing events mean that the world is finally paying attention to what Africa is doing.

“There is growing interest in athletics across Africa. I saw it in Ethiopia, I have seen it in South Africa and Botswana, and Kenya’s growth has been incredible as well,” he observed.

Omanyala anchors Kenya to new national record amid tough day in Botswana

The African record holder in the men’s 100m believes the events open up more opportunities for athletes to earn valuable World Athletics ranking points closer to home.

“With the Ethiopia Grand Prix being elevated to Gold Label status this year, that is a huge boost for us as athletes because we can now earn points and improve our World Athletics rankings simply by competing within Africa, without having to travel so much,” he added.

Omanyala went on to explain that the expanding African athletics circuit also makes travel less exhausting and more manageable for athletes competing across multiple meets in a season.

“For me, it is much easier to do a circuit from Kenya to Botswana, South Africa, and Ethiopia. Those are flights of six hours or less, which makes things far more manageable,” he explained.

He further revealed that he had even challenged athletics officials in Ethiopia to push for an even bigger dream of hosting another Diamond League meeting on the continent.

“I even spoke to the Director of Competitions in Ethiopia and asked, ‘Why not give us another Diamond League meeting as well?’ It would be great to have one on this side of Africa, so that we can also host one of the very best events here,” he said.

Sprinter Samuel Chege looking to bring the Omanyala effect to 200m

Africa currently hosts only one Diamond League meeting in Morocco, and Omanyala believes that expanding that footprint would further accelerate the growth of athletics on the continent while giving local athletes better access to elite competition.