Ferdinand Omanyala, the Africa 100m record holder, has humorously recounted his first-ever experience at an athletics event, which turned out to be a surprising success despite his initial intimidation.
Before venturing into sprinting, Omanyala was an avid rugby player and had shown great promise in the sport. He had never considered athletics as a potential career path until one individual, who had observed his talent, suggested that he try his hand at sprinting. Omanyala, taken aback by the suggestion, had never imagined competing in the 100m race. However, he decided to give it a shot. He later went on to explore the athletics calendar for events and discovered that participation was straightforward: all one needed to do was show up and run. This led him to sign up for his first race in 2016, a men’s 100m event held in Mumias, a town in Western Kenya.
Arriving in Mumias, Omanyala couldn’t help but feel a sense of intimidation. The sprinters around him were seasoned athletes, dressed in professional Kenyan kits, stepping off buses and appearing ready for the competition. Omanyala, on the other hand, was a first-year athlete with no prior experience in track and field. He was not used to the world of athletics and, unlike the other competitors, had arrived in his rugby gear. The sight of these well-established athletes, with their cool demeanor and confidence, added to his nervousness. He was acutely aware that he was a novice, entering a world where he did not yet belong.
Despite feeling out of place and unsure of his chances, Omanyala had no intention of backing out. He had recently received his first set of running gear, a gift from his father, and felt that it would be disrespectful to withdraw after having made the commitment. The pressure to perform mounted as the day of the event approached, but Omanyala was determined to give it his all.
When the race began, Omanyala found himself at the starting line, looking around at his opponents, who were much more experienced and seemed to be well-prepared. But something inside him clicked. Perhaps it was the sheer audacity of the situation, or the realization that he had nothing to lose, but Omanyala took off with all the speed and determination he could muster. To his surprise, he crossed the finish line first, securing an unexpected victory in his debut athletics competition.
The win came as a shock to Omanyala himself. He had entered the race with no expectation of winning and had been solely focused on completing the race without embarrassment. However, the victory served as a major confidence boost, reaffirming his belief that he could succeed in athletics. For Omanyala, the experience was a defining moment. He had proved to himself that he could rise to the challenge, even in the face of doubt and intimidation. This victory ignited a sense of belief in his abilities that would drive him forward in his athletics career.
The success in Mumias marked the beginning of a new chapter for Omanyala. It instilled in him the mentality that no one could ever beat him, a mindset that would push him to continually improve and strive for greatness. Over time, Omanyala would go on to break records and make his mark as one of Africa’s fastest sprinters, representing Kenya on the international stage with pride.
Reflecting on that first experience, Omanyala credits the unexpected victory as the moment that changed everything. It was a blend of nerves, uncertainty, and raw determination that led him to overcome his fears and surprise himself and his competitors. What seemed like a casual attempt at trying something new turned into a pivotal moment that shaped his future in athletics.
Looking back, Omanyala acknowledges the value of taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. His story is one of perseverance, where an unexpected opportunity led to a life-changing journey. From feeling intimidated and uncertain to becoming the fastest man in Africa, Omanyala’s rise to the top of athletics is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience in the face of challenges.
