Ferdinand Omanyala, the Commonwealth Games 100m champion, has made a bold decision to change his trainer in pursuit of an Olympic medal, driven by his fear of being unprepared for the prestigious event.
Concerned that he might not be in peak condition for the Olympics, Omanyala recognized the need for drastic action to improve his chances of standing on the podium in Paris.
“I’ve very little time to strain my targets. I’m here for a short time and I know if I don’t maximise my time, I might not perform according to my expectations in Paris,” Omanyala remarked.
“I don’t want to proceed to the Olympic season with a lot of doubts in my mind because such a situation is bound to impact negatively on my performance.”
With a desire to eliminate doubts and enhance his performance, Omanyala sought the expertise of renowned strength and conditioning coach Geoffrey Kimani, parting ways with his former trainer Duncan Ayiemba.
Omanyala’s decision stemmed from his frustration with inconsistent performances over the past seasons, emphasizing the necessity for stability in his training.
“My performance was not consistent. For the last two seasons, I noticed that I could kick off my campaign on a high note only to fizzle out at crucial moments,” he added.
Reflecting on his initial struggles with the new training regimen, Omanyala admitted to moments of doubt but credited his strong mindset for persevering through the challenges.
Despite facing difficulties, including physical exhaustion and contemplation of quitting, Omanyala’s determination prevailed, allowing him to adapt to the rigorous training under his new coach.
“Now, I’m no longer scared of getting the lactic before I cross the finish line. It’s been great,” Omanyala remarked, expressing his newfound confidence and readiness for the upcoming Olympic season.
