Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has acquired his United States visa following a delay in the process that left the sprinter stranded and unable to travel abroad, to represent Kenya.
Omanyala will be competing in the World Championship’s 100m race slated for Friday, July 15.
Initial reports coming from the athletes’ camp suggested they had given up on getting his visa on time to compete in the Championships in Oregon.
The fate of 6 other athletes who didn’t get their visas remains unknown following the mixup that almost locked out team Kenya.
Other athletes that were affected by visa issues include Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Korir,1500m specialists Edna Jebitok, Steeplechaser Abraham Kibiwott, and 400m hurdler Moitalel Mpoke.
Onto the next flight🛫🛫 to Oregon.
Am positive that I will compete.
Thanks so much for your support and prayers. pic.twitter.com/dEuMygijjh— Ferdinand Omurwa OMANYALA (@Ferdiomanyala) July 14, 2022
Some team members, physios, and doctors had also missed visas.
In a statement shortly after securing his visa, Omanyala said visa acquisition is a challenge experienced by many Kenyans daily.
In his Tweet, the 26-year-old African 100m record holder, thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of Sports for their effort and for ensuring he got his visa on time.
“Visa challenges are faced by all Kenyans and people daily, in this case, I was no different,” Omanyala stated.
“I would like to thank God, the President of Kenya HE Uhuru Kenyatta, and GOK through MOSCA, CS Amb. Amina Mohamed has been at the forefront in ensuring I get my visa. Thank you to the US Embassy in Kenya for granting me my visa.”
Omanyala is looking forward to making Kenyans proud at the World Athletics Championships.
“I will also be competing in the commonwealth games in Birmingham on July 28. Looking forward to making all Kenyans proud.”
Previously Omanyala, in a statement made via his spokesman, confirmed the visa hitch and admitted that it was indeed a difficult reality to accept not going for the Championship, especially considering how much work he put into his training ahead of the event.
“Sadly, I won’t be participating in this year’s world championships in Oregon. I did not get my visa in time for travel,” Omanyala said.
He however remained confident assuring his fans he would be back in the World Championship next year.
“It’s hard for me too because we worked hard and even trained through pain, but like I always say, positivity, everything happens for a reason,
“We will redeem ourselves at the Budapest world championships next year. We also have the Commonwealth Games coming in two weeks’ time. Thanks for the support and prayers,” he concluded.
Omanyala won the men’s 100m race at the African Senior Athletics Championships after he rallied from behind to defeat defending champion, South Africa’s Akani Simbine.
The 26-year-old felt a sense of vindication at officially being crowned the African Champion after having already set the fastest time on the continent and is still currently the record holder.
