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Bungei has opined why Omanyala fluffed his lines at the Kip Keino classic in Nairobi in April, further explaining what he must do to achieve his target of medalling at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Former Olympic 800m champion Wilfred Bungei has revealed the precise reason he thought Ferdinand Omanyala struggled in his outdoor season opening race in Nairobi.
Omanyala finished a disappointing fifth with a time of 10.01 seconds, raising concern amongst Kenyans if the reigning commonwealth champion still has what it takes to dominate this year.
However, Bungei has backed Africa’s fastest man, explaining why fans should have no reason to worry about his performance.
“The weather that day didn’t favour him because of the wind, his body frame was a disadvantage compared to the slimmer athletes,” Bungei told Citizen TV.
Omanyala, alongside his teammates, is in the Bahamas preparing for the World Athletics Relays which will take place this weekend.
He disappointed in the final of the 100m race in 2023 at the World Athletics championships in Budapest, having gone to that tournament as the world-ranked number one sprinter.
Bungei has revealed the strategy Omanyala should adopt to ensure he does not disappoint when the 2024 Paris Olympic games commence in August.
"What he needs to do is make sure he doesn’t run so many races before the Olympics to avoid fatigue. He should compete in only the extremely important races and I'm sure he will bounce back stronger,” Bungei advised.
Omanyala is spearheading the national 4×100m team's quest for qualification to the Paris Olympics, with the World Relay Championship in the Bahamas looming this weekend. Determined to avoid past mistakes, Omanyala emphasizes the importance of trust and unity within the team.
Reflecting on the technical errors that marred their performance at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, Omanyala underscores the significance of trust and adherence to coaching instructions.
"It's all about trusting the next man and putting into practice what the coaches say," he asserts, expressing confidence in the team's readiness and shared goal of Olympic qualification.
Teammate Mark Otieno echoes Omanyala's sentiments, driven by a personal desire to return to the Olympics following the disappointment of the Tokyo Games, where he was suspended for prohibited substance use just before competing in the 100m heats.
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05:16 - 02.05.2024
Ferdinand Omanyala reveals specific target for Kenya at World Relays Championships
Ferdinand Omanyala, who will captain the Kenya 4x100 relay team in the Bahamas, has revealed the specific target the team has ahead of the event.
Otieno emphasizes the collective determination within the team, noting that each member is motivated not only by national pride but also by a desire to support their families.
Under the guidance of coach Stephen Mwaniki, the team underwent an intensive 22-day training camp, focusing on refining relay techniques and minimizing errors. Mwaniki expresses optimism about the team's preparedness, highlighting their dedication to mastering relay exchanges and lane discipline.
The six-man 4×100m team comprises Omanyala, Mike Mokamba, Mark Otieno, Hesbon Onyango, Simon Chege, and Meshack Babu, each poised to play a crucial role in Kenya's bid for Olympic qualification.
With their sights set on Paris, the team is determined to deliver a stellar performance at the World Relay Championship and secure their ticket to the prestigious global event.
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