Kenya's Omanyala stresses education for athletes' long-term success
Omanyala is in Uganda to compete in Saturday’s third National Athletics Trials at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, at the invitation of Eastern Youth MP Benard Odoi.
Kenyan Athlete Ferdinand Omanyala (C) with UAF president Dominic Otucet (L) and Bernard Odoi (R) at Parliament. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Johnson Were
Journalist @New Vision
Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has called on young athletes to balance sports with education, warning that neglecting academics leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
Speaking at a media briefing at Uganda’s Parliament on Friday, the 2022 Commonwealth Games 100m gold medalist emphasized: "You must prepare for life after retirement. I’ve established a foundation because in 10 years, I won’t be competing – but I’ll have a plan. Academic papers can get you a CEO’s office meeting; medals alone won’t secure your future."
Omanyala is in Uganda to compete in Saturday’s third National Athletics Trials at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, at the invitation of Eastern Youth MP Benard Odoi.
Odoi highlighted East Africa’s untapped sprint potential: “We have abundant talent but need inspiration and resilience. Through initiatives like the Omanyala Night of Sprint, we’re teaching athletes to bounce back from defeats.”
Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otucet praised Odoi’s grassroots efforts while appealing for increased government funding to develop athletes.
The Kenyan star’s visit underscores regional collaboration to elevate track and field, with education positioned as the cornerstone of sustainable athletic careers.
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