Y-I-R: Omanyala reflects on a challenging 2025 season, eyes strong comeback in 2026

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has described the 2025 athletics season as a period of deep reflection following mixed results across various competitions.

The Kenyan sprint star featured in several races throughout the year, but the defining moment came at the World Athletics Championships, where he finished fifth in his semifinal, missing out on a place in the final.

Reflecting on the disappointment, Omanyala said the experience offered valuable lessons.

“Every season has its challenges, and every race has its own lessons. For me, I learned something from every race, and I am looking forward to continuing to improve and to win races that will inspire upcoming athletes,” Omanyala said.

Following the underwhelming performance, Omanyala made a major career decision by parting ways with his then coach, Geoffrey Kimani, and reuniting with his former coach Duncan Ayiemba.

Explaining the move, the sprinter noted that the decision was mutually agreed upon with his management.

“It was a decision made together with my management. The contract had expired, and we decided to go back to working with Coach Duncan, who understands me very well. Under him, I recorded some of the best performances of my career,” he stated.

While many athletes opted for rest at the end of the season, the Commonwealth Games champion chose a different path, maintaining an intense training regime of up to six hours a day.

According to Omanyala, early preparation remains central to his long-term success.

“Early preparation has always been key to a great season. Together with my team, we decided not to rest but to continue training so that we condition the body to be at its best before the season starts,” he said.

As the 2026 season begins, Omanyala has already outlined his key objectives, with defending his Commonwealth title ranking high on his priority list.

“We have already sat down with my management and looked at the calendar. We will carefully select the competitions to participate in, but one of my main targets is the Commonwealth Games, where I intend to defend my title,” he confirmed.

Beyond competition, Omanyala continues to play a mentorship role for young sprinters across the country. He has also called on the government and private sponsors to invest more in athletics infrastructure.

“We need proper training facilities for sprinters in different parts of the country. When tracks like Nyayo and Kasarani were under renovation, many sprinters suffered. This is something that needs to be addressed more effectively,” he said.

Omanyala is Kenya’s most decorated sprinter and one of Africa’s leading short-distance athletes. He rose to continental prominence after breaking the African 100m record in 2021, firmly placing African sprinting on the global stage.

Omanyala is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, African champion, and multiple-time national record holder. Known for his explosive starts and powerful finishes, he has consistently competed against the world’s elite sprinters on the Diamond League and championship circuits.

Beyond the track, Omanyala is a vocal advocate for improved training facilities and youth development in sprinting. He has become a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly in a country traditionally known for middle- and long-distance running.

As he prepares for the 2026 season, Omanyala remains focused on regaining top form, defending his titles, and continuing to inspire the next generation of African sprinters.