This archive report was first published on 24 September 2021.
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, the current Africa's 100m record-holder, has wrapped up the season with an impressive performance, setting a new African record at the Kasarani Stadium on September 18, 2021.
As a reward for his achievement, Omanyala received a Sh3.5 million car from a betting company.
Now, the sprinter is looking forward to a well-deserved break with his family. He is taking a week-long vacation to Watamu, a coastal town in Kilifi County, where he will relax with his longtime girlfriend, Laventer Mutavi, and their one-year-old son.
Despite his recent success, Omanyala is not resting on his laurels. He is optimistic about breaking the 9.77s African record soon, saying it will take him less than a year to achieve this feat.
However, the sprinter attributes his weak start in his record-breaking run to a left collarbone injury he suffered years back while playing rugby. He believes that once he manages to coordinate his arm movement, he will be better placed to run a faster time.
Stephen Mwaniki, a Kenyan sprint coach, is confident that Omanyala has the potential to break the 100m world record set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009.
“I’m trusting Omanyala to break that record,” said Mwaniki. “It will take a lot of work and strategy, but it’s possible to break it.”
