Ferdinand Omanyala shares role in Aluvi’s journey to CAA U20 100m glory
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 30.07.25. | 10:52
Aluvi is a product of the Omanyala Foundation, an initiative founded by the Kenyan sprint star to identify, nurture, and support young talent in athletics
On Thursday, 18 July, Clinton Aluvi became the first Kenyan to win gold in the men’s 100m at the Confederation of African Athletics Under (CAA) U20 Championships in Ndola, Nigeria.
Aluvi clocked 10.42 seconds to end Kenya’s long wait for gold in the race that had previously been dominated by countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
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Unbeknownst to many, behind Aluvi's historic victory stood the quiet influence and guidance of Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
Aluvi is a product of the Omanyala Foundation, an initiative founded by the Kenyan sprint star to identify, nurture, and support young talent in athletics.
The Foundation discovered Aluvi during the 2024 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Games, and since then, it has played a critical role in shaping his journey.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Omanyala expressed his pride in the youngster’s triumph.
“I am very excited for Clinton. This is the first time the CAA U20 title is coming to Kenya. Being part of his growth so far is something I truly appreciate,” Omanyala offered.
Omanyala went on to reveal that from the moment the foundation picked up Aluvi’s name through one of its experienced scouts, he was closely involved, not as a coach, but as a mentor, motivator, and supporter.
“We have been in constant communication. We even met with his parents before and after he completed his exams. We have supported him with kits, transport to training and competitions, and access to physiotherapy services. Everything he needed, we made sure he got it,” he said.
Omanyala’s approach has been to help Aluvi stay grounded while offering advice on mindset, discipline, and professionalism.
“This is the stage where many athletes start getting excited, but I always remind him: ‘Until you hit 10.09, that’s when you can start saying you’ve achieved something in sprinting. In the world of speed, slow times don’t make an impact.’ I will keep encouraging him every step of the way,” he said.
Despite early doubts, largely because Aluvi had never raced internationally, Omanyala had a strong feeling the young sprinter was ready to shine.
“He proved he is ready for the big stage, and I am glad that is where he has begun. My hope and prayer now is that he transitions well into the senior level,” he disclosed.
The foundation’s vision goes beyond just Aluvi.
For Omanyala, the win is proof that investing in sprinters can yield long-term results and expand Kenya’s reputation in sprinting, an area where the country has traditionally lagged.
“This moment is significant for the vision and goals of the foundation. It is a huge motivation for me to keep developing sprinters. Clinton’s success sends a powerful message. Kenyan sprinting is growing. It’s no longer just about Omanyala. Anyone can now be part of Kenya’s sprinting success story,” he excitedly offered.
At 19, Aluvi represents a glimpse of what the future could hold. For Omanyala, the dream is bigger than one victory.
“Imagine what he can accomplish in the next 10 years. If we can nurture one Clinton every year, then the legacy will live on. That is my dream,” he concluded.
