Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man in the 100m, will not be able to compete in the Eugene World Athletics Championships. The Kenyan has withdrawn from participation due to delay in obtaining a visa.
“Even if I get a visa today, it will be too late,” a disappointed Omanyala said in a statement from his spokesman. He would participate in the 100 meters in the United States, the series of which is already on the program on Friday.
The Kenyan athletics teams were scheduled to leave for the United States in two groups on Monday and Tuesday, but in addition to Omanyala, some other athletes also did not receive their visas on time.
Omanyala set an African record in the 100 meters in September 2021 at the Kip Keino Classic in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. He crossed the finish line in 9.77 seconds.
Omanyala also showed good form in the run-up to the World Cup. The 26-year-old Kenyan won the African title in the 100 meters last month.
“This is difficult for me, because we worked very hard and I even trained through the pain. But as always I remain positive. Everything happens for a reason. We will take revenge at the World Cup in Budapest next year,” he said. Omanyala.