Sprinter Onyango keen to follow in Omanyala's footsteps into sub 10s realms

Stephen Onyango

ATHLETICS Sprinter Onyango keen to follow in Omanyala's footsteps into sub 10s realms

Abigael Wafula 10:00 - 13.03.2023

The Central region athlete's priority is to make Team Kenya for the World Championships in Budapest.

Sprinter Stephen Onyango has attested that Africa 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala is the reason behind his motivation in the sprints.

Onyango revealed that watching Omanyala motivates him to keep going and hopefully one day, he hopes to get to his level. He believes if Omanyala can run a sub-10, it’s also possible for him.

He noted that he was passionate about sprints from a young age but he was never intentional about it until the Commonwealth Games 100m champion who has proven to be a force to reckon with gave him the courage to follow his talent.

“Actually, I am motivated by Omanyala’s exploits and I look up to him. He has proven that anything is possible. I used to love running from way back but I was never that serious. However, with Omanyala coming up, I also decided to give myself a chance,” Onyango said.

The 27-year-old has now set eyes on the World Championships in Budapest where he intends to fly the country’s flag high if he makes the cut.

He has never made it to the national team before and will be keen to make the dream a reality. He also intends to run 10.00.

At the third Athletics Kenya meet staged at the Thika Stadium on March 10 and 11, Onyango destroyed a fine field in the 100m final to cut the tape first in 10.40. Dan Kiviasi and Justin Isaboke settled for second and third places in respective times of 10.50 and 10.60.

“My body feels good and I am happy with the win. It motivates me to keep trying harder and improve on my performance,” he said.

Onyango noted that he will be looking forward to the fourth Athletics Kenya meet which will be staged at the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa on March 31 and April 1.

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