There is a growing fear that Ferdinand Omanyala will not be participating in this year’s edition of the World Athletics Championship.
Africa’s fastest man could be unable to travel to the United States in time for the event in Eugene, Oregon, following Visa complications that prolonged the process and rendered him grounded.
The 26-year-old was included in the list of participants in the 100m race scheduled for this Friday, July 15.
Omanyala, in a statement made via his spokesman, confirmed the visa hitch and admitted that it was indeed a difficult reality to accept considering how much work he put into his training ahead of the event.
He however remained confident assuring his fans he would be back in the World Championship next year.
“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.
“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.
