Ferdinand Omanyala has other duties to cater to other than being Africa’s Fastest Man. Clocking a 9.77s (100 m) at Nairobi in 2021, Omanyala established his dominance in the African track circuit by clinching the African Record. However, apart from the 100m discipline, Omanyala’s 6.54s and 20.33s in the 60m and 200m respectively, are evidence of his daunting stature in the sport.
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Still searching for his maiden Olympic gold, the ninth fastest man in the world has won a couple of African Championship golds. Representing Kenya, Omanyala won his first major gold outside of Africa at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Well, even after having such a star-studded career, Ferdinand Omanyala also works as the superhero savior.
Ferdinand Omanyala opens up about his alternate career
Ferdinand Omanyala runs after thieves and miscreants when he is not sprinting for gold! In a recent episode of the Tidal League podcast, the Kenyan sprinter sat down with Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green. During the interview, Omanyala shocked everyone by disclosing that he serves the Kenyan police force during his time off from the tracks.
Reflecting on his cop duties, the sprinter stated, “I’m a cop by day.” Omanyala then went on to show his own picture in his police uniform to further establish his claims. In a lighthearted manner, Gatlin and Green joked about how an offender would be utterly confused to be arrested by the track star. Adding to the fun factor of the conversation, Omanyala revealed yet another hilarious story.
The Kenyan stated that on several occasions, after getting arrested, the offender had asked Omanyala to click a picture with him. He said, “So the problem is you go and arrest someone and he begins to take pictures with you. It’s Omanyala.” However, while his interaction on the podcast was a fun-filled affair, Omanyala’s life hasn’t quite been a bed full of roses.
Omanyala on doping and bankruptcy
Back in 2017, Ferdinand Omanyala’s gallop to success suffered a jolt because of a doping allegation. This resulted in a 14-month ban from the professional circuits, rendering him practically out of the mainstream competition. As a result of a lack of funding, Omanyala was reduced to being a pauper. He filed for bankruptcy and found solace in his then-girlfriend, now wife, Laventa Amutavi. She supported and helped Omanyala a lot during his dark times. And helped him to get back on his feet once again.
Reflecting on the same, Omanyala stated, “I trained for six months without any competing. I had no money, my girlfriend Laventa Mutavi took care of the bills. She paid rent and bought food. She handed me her salary to cater for major bills in the house.” Thus, with so much going on, Ferdinand Omanyala showed tremendous character to bounce back in style. Now an inspiration for many, the Kenyan sprinter is eyeing the ultimate glory come from the Paris Olympics.
