Ferdinand Omanyala on special reason behind opening his season in Thika

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala says participating at the second leg of the Athletics Kenya and Field Meeting in Thika was not about participation, but “connecting to my past.”

Omanyala, 29, on Friday 28 February officially launched his 2025 season at the murram track at Thika County Stadium, running the 100m heats and late afternoon semifinals, which he easily won.

The Commonwealth Games champion notably skipped the World Athletics Indoor Tour meetings that have been a staple part of his season openers, opting to focus on the upcoming outdoor championships.

Speaking after his win in the 100m heats, Omanyala spoke about why he chose to run in Thika saying: “Coming to compete here wasn’t because of any competition or any targets - to see where my body is. I just came here to tell other athletes that we are together. We all start from somewhere.”

Part of Omanyala’s claim to fame and track success, originates from an old story in 2015, when the then rugby player and chemistry student at the University of Nairobi gave a shot at athletics in a murram track in Mumias.

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Running in another murram track a decade later must have felt different.

“Today was like connecting with my past because I’ve always wanted to come and see how it feels 10 years later,” Omanyala said. “In a track like this is where I started, and being here feels good.”

Asked what his experience was like, he said: “You know it’s murram and when the wind blows it pushes the debris around. It’s not the best, but we all start from somewhere.”

With his calendar of events not yet out this season, Omanyala remained tight-lipped on what comes next for him, opting to say: “Let’s enjoy today. We’ll let you guys know.”

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And with the 20th World Athletics Indoor Championships fast approaching, Omanyala again refused to commit his presence in Nanjing saying: “I am still weighing my options.”

The African champion takes part in the 100m finals in Thika on Saturday.