Why Ferdinand Omanyala was unbothered about being an underdog at World Indoor Championships

ATHLETICS Why Ferdinand Omanyala was unbothered about being an underdog at World Indoor Championships

Abigael Wafula 10:03 - 02.03.2024

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.


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.

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He explained that changing coaches has been very important for him and he has noted the significant changes in his body and movement.

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.

“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.