Kenya’s sprinters for the Tokyo Olympics, 100m duo of Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Otieno, as well as Hellen Syombua of the 400m travelled to Kurume City, Japan on Tuesday evening for a 10-day training camp ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Filled with dreams and ambition, the trio headed out to Kurume for the final touches of their preparation for the Olympic Games with eyes focused on representing Team Kenya well in disciplines that have not been at the peak of the medal count in yester years.

“I’m feeling great, it’s been a journey and now it’s becoming real; it’s becoming real with every second and we are going to show the world what Kenya is made of in sprints,” an excited Omanyala said as the team arrived at the airport for the journey to Kurume.

He added; “I’m just going there to make it real; I feel fast and strong and all I can tell Kenyans is to be glued on screens and await miracles.”

Ferdinand Omanyala celebrates his qualification to the Olympics

Otieno and Omanyala earned first time ever tickets to the Olympics after attaining the qualification time at the national trials last month. Omanyala won the race in a new national record of 10.02secs while Otieno finished just within the qualification mark of 10.05secs for a new personal best time.

“I am really excited that the journey is finally happening and its real. I have worked so hard for this and it was my biggest dream. Now I need to prepare well for the next 10 days and be ready to compete with the world,” added Otieno.

Meanwhile, just before he embarked on the journey to Kurume, Otieno was handed a massive boost after receiving a Sh1mn sponsorship from Safaricom. Otieno has struggled with equipment and even ran the national trials on borrowed spikes, but the sponsorship from the communication giants will help him prepare well for Tokyo and beyond.

Mark Otieno receives a Sh1mn sponsorship from Safaricom

The 28-year-old will now have access to the best quality shoes as part of the sponsorship deal which will also support his training needs and cover his logistics to allow him to attend other competitions.

“I want to thank Safaricom for seeing my potential and believing in me. It has always been my dream to compete in the Olympics and having the biggest company in the country backing me has boosted my own confidence and I am determined to do my best in Tokyo.”

“It has not been easy, due to lack of resources, but it has been worth every effort to get to this stage where I have the honor of representing my country at the biggest sporting event,” Otieno said as he received his sponsorship on Tuesday at the Kasarani Stadium.

This is a further continuation of Safaricom’s support to Team Kenya’s contingent heading to Tokyo, having last week unveiled a Sh20mn perk for the team.

Mark Otieno competing at the national trials

“We are known for our pedigree of middle and long-distance runners having won the majority of our Olympic medals in these races. However, as a company that believes in going beyond to achieve one’s dreams, we were really inspired by Mark’s story and how he has gone beyond to reach his goal of representing Kenya in the 100m race,” said Peter Ndegwa, the Safaricom CEO.