Sibling love or rivalry ? Omanyala's brother qualifies for World Relays in China
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.04.25. | 16:55
For Omurwa, the call-up marks a major milestone and the beginning of major achievements to come
A new chapter in the Omurwa household is about to be written, this time on the grand stage of the World Athletics Relays set for Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 May 2025, in Guangzhou, China.
Ferdinand Omanyala’s younger brother, Isaac Omurwa, has officially qualified for the prestigious global event, setting the stage for a compelling sibling showdown in the men’s 4x100m relay.
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The 20-year-old booked his ticket after clocking 10.45 seconds during the national trials held last weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, sealed his qualification in commanding fashion at the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, where he stormed to a second-place finish in 10.00 seconds behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who ran a blistering 9.90.
The brothers are no strangers to facing off on the track.
Just last month, they were among the headline acts at the second Uganda National Athletics Trials, where Omanyala edged out Omurwa in a photo finish, clocking 10.02 as Omurwa crossed the line in 10:06.
They also joined forces in the 4x100m relay at the same event, leading their team to victory in 39.50 seconds.
Their rivalry stretches back to 2021, when both competed in the trials for the Budapest World Championships. While Omanyala secured qualification, Omurwa was unable to compete. But three years on, the younger Omurwa is finally stepping into the spotlight.
“Congratulations to my brother Isaac Omurwa for making your first senior national team. It will be a blessing and joy to run alongside you at the World Relays in China,” Omanyala wrote.
For Omurwa, the call-up marks a major milestone and the beginning of major achievements to come.
“This has been my dream since I started sprinting—to make it to the senior national team. Getting to run with my brother, not just against him, on a world stage is something I’ve always looked forward to. I’m ready for the season ahead,” a visibly excited Omurwa told Mozzart Sport.
Kenya will field teams in four events at the Relays: men’s 4x100m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the 4x400m mixed relay. The competition will also double as a qualifier for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo, Japan.
The national squad, comprising 21 athletes, is currently in a residential training camp under the stewardship of technical head Kennedy Tanui.
The coaching panel includes Simon Riga, Catherine Kagwiria, Stanley Towett, and Thomas Musembi, with Edwin Kiptoo serving as the team physiotherapist.
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