Ferdinand Omanyala has explained why being an underdog at the World Indoor Championships was not a bother to him.
Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala has opened up on why he prided himself as an underdog at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
The men’s 60m at the World Indoor Championships had been all about Christian Coleman and Noah Lyles, and Omanyala had been left out of the chat.
17:01 - 01.03.2024
ATHLETICS Noah Lyles, Ferdinand Omanyala cruise to 60m semifinal at World Indoor Championships
Noah Lyles and Ferdinand Omanyala have started their World Indoor campaign on a high, recording impressive times to proceed to the semifinal of the 60m race.
However, Omanyala noted that despite being pitted against the duo in the final, he still felt like he had to do much more.
“It’s a good thing to come in as an underdog but I’m just here to do what I can do…execution and make sure you can get those PBs in and if your PB is the best in the world then well taken,” said Omanyala.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya WhatsApp Channel for more news.
He explained that changing coaches has been very important for him and he has noted the significant changes in his body and movement.
12:42 - 01.03.2024
ATHLETICS Fred Kerley pleads with World Athletics to increase prize money following major changes to calendar
American track sensation Fred Kerley has requested World Athletics to increase prize money following the changes made to the World Athletics calendar from 2025.
Omanyala ditched his former coach Duncan Ayiemba, late last year and started working with Geoffrey Kimani, with whom they have achieved great milestones.
He headed to the semifinal with enough confidence after being the fourth fastest in the heats with a time of 6.52.
“I’ve worked with my previous coach for eight years but we have stages in life…we move from primary to high school then to university.
08:00 - 02.03.2024
ATHLETICS Omanyala misses podium as Coleman triumphs over Lyles in World Indoor Championships 60m final
Coleman won the 60m final at the World Indoor Championships, defeating Lyles, while Omanyala narrowly missed a podium spot.
“I worked with my current coach at the Tokyo Olympics and he is a good coach and a lecturer of sprints and it’s been a very big change for me.
“I feel like I’m very fast…we changed a lot of things and I think I’m way leaner and I’m looking forward to the season. I know the season has already started and I’m excited about each day,” Omanyala said.