Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala has inspired Tanzanians so much so that they now plan to venture and invest in sprints, among other track and field events.
Silas Isangi, president of Athletics Tanzania, a country not known for athletics, was impressed by the Kenyan sprinter when he broke and set new national and continental sprint records of 9.77 seconds at the second edition of ABSA Kip Keino Classic at Kasarani Stadium a fortnight ago.
So impressed was Isangi that he has now made a rallying call to Tanzanian organizers to including more track and field events, particularly sprints in their competitions.
President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the KipKeino Classics and cheered athletes from across the world, even as Omanyala and other local athletes made Kenya proud.
Omanyala's blistering record made him the fastest man in Africa, and second in the world. He beat former world champions like Justin Gatlin.
According to reports in leading Tanzanian newspapers, Omanyala impressed the Athletics Tanzania President, who now wants sprints included in the field and track races in the country.
“There are so many sprinters in Tanzania, but due to inadequate competitions and exposure, they remain unknown,” Isangi is quoted as having told Tanzanian press.
Isangi went ahead to blame long-distance marathon organisers for not including 100m and 200m races in their track events.
“There are no marathon organisers who include 100 meters races, 200m races and other sprints events in their competitions.
“It is high time for race organizers to include the short races because we have all the required facilities at Benjamin Mkapa Stadiums,” Isangi opined.
Omanyala has now gained new celebrity status with the world taking notice of him.
Additionally, corporates are taking recognition for Omanyala’s newly found status, especially as Africa’s fastest man.
