Sprinter Samuel Chege looking to bring the Omanyala effect to 200m
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 01.05.26. | 15:54
Both Omanyala and Chege train under the watch of coach Duncan Ayiemba
Reigning national 200m champion Samuel Chege is determined to spark a new era in Kenya’s sprinting scene, drawing inspiration from Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, as he targets success in the half-lap.
Chege has been in impressive form this season. On Saturday, 18 April, he stormed to victory in the men’s 200m at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, clocking a personal best of 20.63 seconds.
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The performance saw him edge out national rival Zablon Ekwam.
The rising sprinter doubled down on his progress at the same meet, setting another personal best of 10.33 seconds in the 100m.
He also impressed with a second-place finish at the Botswana Grand Prix, posting 20.87 seconds.
Now, Chege’s focus shifts to the global stage after earning a spot in Kenya’s 4x100m mixed relay team for the World Athletics Relays set for Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 3 May in Gaborone, Botswana.
Chege, who trains under coach Duncan Ayiemba alongside Omanyala, believes Kenya is on the brink of expanding its sprint dominance beyond the 100m.
“It feels good. Ferdinand Omanyala has done a lot in the 100m, and that’s where most of the focus has been. I just want to bring something different, something people can look forward to in the years to come,” Chege told Mozzart Sport.
His ambitions go beyond personal milestones, with a clear goal of strengthening Kenya’s depth in the 200m.
“I’m aiming to run faster in the 200m so that we can secure all the slots at the upcoming World Championships and the Africa Championships. Right now, we are strong in the 100m, and then we jump to the 400m. I want the 200m to also have a strong representation in the country,” he added.
Chege also acknowledged the role faith and resilience have played in his journey, even as he pointed out ongoing challenges around access to training facilities.
“God has been very faithful to us. We haven’t faced many challenges. Facilities haven’t been a major issue, but access is still limited. Even so, we are giving it everything,” he said.
After the World Relays, the sprinter has his sights set on the African Senior Athletics Championships, where he hopes to further cement his place among the continent’s elite.
Central to his drive is the influence of Omanyala, whose trailblazing career has redefined Kenya’s sprinting identity. Omanyala has shifted global perceptions of Kenyan athletics, from breaking the African 100m record to clinching historic titles.
The African record holder boasts a personal best of 9.77 seconds in the 100m, making him the ninth-fastest man in history over the distance.
Within a recent eight-day stretch, he clocked 9.98s in Addis Ababa, 9.96s in Nairobi, and a season-best 9.95s in Gaborone.
Omanyala made history in July 2023 by becoming the first Kenyan to win a Diamond League 100m race, clocking 9.92 seconds in Monaco.
He also clinched gold at the Commonwealth Games, Kenya’s first 100m title in 60 years, and at the African Championships in Athletics.
Beyond the 100m, he holds the African 150m record (14.70s) and the Kenyan indoor 60m record (6.51s).
“Omanyala is more like a friend, and we really look up to him. He has helped us in so many ways. I also look up to him to make history in the 200m. His presence motivates us and pushes us in many ways,” added Chege.