Kenyan sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala has found himself at the center of a heated online debate after missing a highly anticipated race with internet sensation IShowSpeed during the streamer’s recent “Speed Does Africa” tour.
The controversy has pitted branding and global exposure against professional caution and financial reality, exposing a growing tension between elite athletics and influencer culture.
IShowSpeed, who boasts over 48 million YouTube subscribers, made several high-profile stops across Africa, meeting Olympic javelin champion Julius Yego and viral 8-foot-2 Kenyan Bradley Marongo.
However, a sprint showdown with Africa’s fastest man never materialized. Reports indicate that Omanyala had set a professional appearance fee days earlier, a move aimed at protecting his career, physical well-being, and commercial value.
The decision immediately divided Kenyan netizens as a vocal section argued that Omanyala missed a once-in-a-lifetime branding opportunity, insisting that exposure to Speed’s massive global audience outweighed any short-term financial considerations.
Drawing comparisons with sprint legends, fans pointed out that Usain Bolt and reigning 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles previously raced IShowSpeed.
“Omanyala needs to learn one important thing: branding,” wrote X user Cop Shakur.
“He should have raced Speed because branding matters more than short-term gains. Had Omanyala raced Speed, many global brands might have recognized his image and sought to work with him. Strong branding creates long-term opportunities that go far beyond prize money.”
On the other side of the debate, supporters defended Omanyala’s stance, emphasizing the realities of professional athletics.
They argued that elite sprinters operate under strict training cycles where injury risks can derail seasons, sponsorships, and livelihoods.
To them, racing a non-professional athlete for online content carries little competitive value and significant downside.
“Omanyala is a brand on his own though he doesn’t need anyone to advance,” countered Repost King, echoing sentiments that Africa’s fastest man has already earned his place on the global stage through medals, records, and consistent elite performances rather than viral moments.
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