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Omanyala World Championships debut in limbo over visa trouble
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 13.07.22. | 09:00
The sprinter is however still hopeful of making the trip to Oregon.
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala’s trip to the Oregon World Championships is hanging in the balance after a visa delay from the United States of America Embassy.
The African 100m record holder was set to depart the country on Tuesday to compete in his maiden World Championships but the visa delay led to him missing out on the flight.
Omanyala is part of the six Team Kenya members who are yet to receive their visas including Rono Bunei the Team Manager, three Team Kenya physiotherapists Jessica Shiraku, John Muraya and Japheth Kariakim, and Team Doctor Victor Bargoria.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the 26-year-old however remained hopeful that he will make it to the Championship as he revealed that the government is working round the clock to ensure he travels.
“I have not been denied a visa as it has been reported. It's just that there has been a slight delay because they still have my passport but if it will not be out by today it will be hard for me to participate.
The Sports CS is trying to push the matter so I just have to have some hope. If I don’t make it, it will be a huge blow because I have been training for this event the whole season but either way I’m still supposed to report to camp for the Commonwealth Games,” said Omanyala.
The sprinter is set to take to the track on Friday for the 100m heat with the final of the event set to take place a day later, leaving Omanyala with limited time to travel.
According to reports some athletes were set to leave the country on Tuesday after having their visa processed but they lacked air tickets.
The athletes include Olympic 800m champion Emmnnauel Korir, the 400m hurdler Moitalel Mpoke, steeplechaser Abraham Kibiwott and 1,500m athlete Edinah Jebitok.
This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday 12 July handed over the flag to Team Kenya ahead of World Athletics Championships.
