Ferdinand Omanyala’s path to success hasn’t always been smooth.
Transitioning from a rugby player to sprinter, Omanyala achieved success as his athletic prowess proved to be far more dominant on the track and field. However, just like many others, the Kenyan sprinter has faltered numerous times in his career.
Just recently, his Coach, Duncan Ayiemba, revealed that Omanyala’s mental state was at a breaking point when he finished seventh, with a record of 10.07 seconds, at the 2023 edition of the World Championships.
Fortunately, this episode didn’t last long, and Omanyala was able to make up for his loss and reach the podium at the Prefontaine Classic, where he placed third overall, behind only American sprinters Christian Coleman (9.83 sec) and Noah Lyles (9.85 sec).
Trudging ahead, the Kenyan sprinter continues to brave the challenges as he prepares to train for the Paris Olympics next year.
This time, however, he now has the benefit of a strong support system. In Visa’s latest announcement, they stated that Omanyala has received the honor of being one of the brand’s ambassadors.
Omanyala believes that Visa’s assistance is crucial to his quest for an Olympic medal and that he is grateful for their support as he gets ready to compete on the biggest stage in athletics. In addition, he said that joining Team Visa was not just about sports but also about motivating people all around the world and developing a closer relationship with his followers.
Visa’s newest ambassador, Omanyala
So happy and grateful to join the visa family. #VisaAmbassador #Olympics #Paralympics #PayWithVisa pic.twitter.com/JYYGxlpWke
— Ferdinand Omurwa OMANYALA M.B.S,O.G.W (@Ferdiomanyala) November 23, 2023
Visa’s Ag general manager for East Africa, Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, welcomed Omanyala to the company’s expanding roster of athletes and emphasized that his inclusion on the group not only reflects the diversity of talent on the African continent but also highlights Visa’s dedication to supporting athletes who are committed to inspiring their communities and making a difference.
“We are proud to have him as part of us and look forward to witnessing the continued impact he will make both on and off the track.” said Eva Ngigi-Sarwari.
Visa’s Marketing Director for East Africa, Sheila Changangu, likewise welcomed the Kenyan athlete and noted that “Omanyala is an example of what hard work and dedication can do to achieve your dreams, while inspiring the next generation.”
Omanyala is now the 117th athlete in Visa’s program, as per athletics.co.
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