- Omanyala comes in after a disappointing World Championships
- He arrived in USA two hours before his race
- He eyes the Commonwealth Gold and African record
After the disappointment that characterized his World Championship campaign, African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala is looking towards a more successful campaign at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Omanyala reached the semi-finals of the World Championships, but this was purely due to logistical challenges. The African record holder reached Oregon just two hours to his Heats, managing to clock third place and make the semis.
He however could not replicate the same performance with the jet lag kicking in and finished fifth, missing out on his target of reaching the final.
Not wanting to do the same mistakes, Omanyala travelled to Birmingham immediately after the worlds, reaching there at least 10 days before his race on Tuesday.
“I got here at least 10 days before my race and at least that is something great because I will have tome to rest and train as well as focus on acclimatizing. I am not worried now because I feel fresher, fitter and stronger,” Omanyala said.
Omanyala enjoys successful season
Ferdinand Omanyala cruises to a third place finish at the World Championships. PHOTO/Courtesy
The African record holder has enjoyed a hugely successful season and looks forward to cap it off with his first global medal, having clinched the African title last month in Mauritius.
“I am looking forward to run a fast time at the Commonwealth Games but no pressure on myself. I have trained well and prepared myself well and now it is just up to me to do my thing on the track,” he said.
Competition will be practically reduced for him with the Americans who swept the medals at the World Championships not competing in Birmingham.
However, he still expects stiff competition from the Jamaicans.
“Yes the USA is not competing in the Commonwealth Games but we have Jamaicans and South Africans. Also, I don’t go to any competition looking down on anyone. I expect very stiff competition and I want to work hard and get a medal,” he said.
Omanyala adds; “My target is to get a medal and also to lower the African record.”
Set sights on African record
Ferdinand Omanyala after arriving in Birmingham last week
The 26-year old set a new African record when he ran 9.76secs to finish second at the Kip Keino Classic Last year.
This year, he ran 9.86secs to win the event, edging out new World Champion Fred Kerley. And now, he aims to run lower, and could even go for his own personal best.
“It has been a great season for me and I will be delighted to finish off with something nice at the Commonwealth Games. I still have a few races to run in Europe and hopefully I can keep the winning run on,” he added.
At the Commonwealth Games, he will team up with Dan Kiviasi, who also qualified after earning the requisite time at the Kenyan trials last month.
They start action Tuesday morning, with the preliminary round races.
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