From Rugby to Sprints: Omanyala Takes His Speed Revolution Back to School

Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala is taking his passion for athletics beyond the track, bringing his sprint development campaign directly to schools across the country through the Omanyala Foundation.

The campaign came full circle this week when Omanyala returned to Friends School Kamusinga, his former school, where a new generation of young athletes is now being given an opportunity to discover and develop their sprinting talent.

Interestingly, Omanyala's own sporting journey at Kamusinga was not on the athletics track. He played rugby for the school, making his return years later all the more significant.

This time, however, he came back as an African sprint champion and the patron of a programme designed to identify and nurture the next generation of Kenyan sprinters.

At Kamusinga, Omanyala officially launched the Omanyala Sprints Club, opening a new pathway for students interested in sprinting to train, develop their skills and potentially pursue athletics at a higher level.

Before leaving his former school, Omanyala also made time for the Spartans rugby team, sharing his experience with the young players and reminding them that talent is only the beginning.

He challenged the students to embrace hard work, discipline and consistency, urging them to strive for excellence both on and off the field.

Reflecting on the warm reception, Omanyala said:

“Thank you so much for the great reception. Kamusinga will be one of my sprint camps.”

Taking Sprinting to the Schools

Kamusinga was just one stop on Omanyala's growing school outreach campaign.

The sprint star also visited Cheburbur High School, hosted by Principal Grace Kwonyike; Chelalang High School, hosted by Principal Jane Chebukui; and St Francis of Assisi Kimoning High School, hosted by Senior Principal and KESSHA Moiben Sub-County Chairman Jackson Kurgat.

He also toured St Peter's Mumias and Turbo Girls Senior School, continuing his mission to encourage more young students to take up sprinting.

The initiative reflects Omanyala's broader vision of taking sprint development beyond traditional athletics structures and bringing opportunities closer to young people in schools.