Sprinter Omanyala receives financial boost

Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has received a financial boost from a local gaming firm.

The sprinter recently made headlines when he ran the fastest time by a Kenyan over 100m (10.01) but his efforts were not recognised by Athletics Kenya.

In 2018, Omanyala was handed a 14-month ban after the Kenyan sprinter returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for the glucocorticoid betamethasone, a sanctioning update from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) confirmed.

However, for now, he can afford some smile after a Kenya gaming firm gave him a Sh1,500,000 financial boost in a bid to support his athletics career.

“I feel good that Odibets came in to support me. It gives me hope for a brighter future,” said Omanyala, while disclosing that the deal with the betting firm was not a formal one yet. “It’s like a gesture of support.  Supporting talent at all levels,” said Omanyala.

The gaming firm’s Country marketing manager Aggrey Sayi said that the firm decided to support Omanyala because of his hard work and talent exhibited in recent performances.

“We decided to support Omanyala after his brilliant performance over the past few months… the token we have offered him will help him grow his career to the next level,” said Mr. Sayi.

On the other hand, the AK had rejected Omanyala’s 10.01 record after receiving a letter from the Director-General of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) claiming that the 3rd MoC Grand Prix held on March 30 and 31 was not sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.