Collins Omae's admiration for Usain Bolt and why he ditched rugby for athletics

Sprinters Stephen Baraza, Solomon Bwoga and Collins Omae at Kasarani stadium before leaving for Commonweath Games in Glasgow, Scotland on 17-07-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Collins Omae, a former Mwamba RFC winger, is one of the few athletes in Kenya, juggling between athletics and academics with perfection.
Game Yetu's RODGERS ESHITEMI caught-up with the 24-year-old Kenya Methodist University fourth year Bachelor of Business Administration student to discuss about his life, why he ditched rugby and his admiration for Usain Bolt.
Game Yetu: Why did you ditch rugby for athletics and do you regret?
Omae: I was convinced by my sprints coach Geoffrey Kimani. He had seen my abilities and after some consultations, I decided to try out something new though it was not that easy. But I am enjoying athletics and I don't regret at all. I believe everything happens for a reason.
Game Yetu: How do you compare athletics and rugby?
Omae: Athletics and rugby are similar in many ways except the fact that rugby is a physical and team sport while athletics is an individual sport.
Game Yetu: Why did you decide short races?
Omae: My coach guided me on which race to run as he is the master in-charge when it comes to my training and what to run.
Game Yetu: Do you remember your first ever race?
Omae: Mmmmmmhh! I competed in an odd 500m race at the Nyayo National Stadium in 2012.
Game Yetu: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
Omae: Making it to the Commonwealth games and Africa Championships which marked my international debut.
Game Yetu: So, how's your experience and how did you perform?
Omae: Although I was eliminated in the heats, it's a humbling experience and I learnt a lot.
Game Yetu: At the moment which competition are preparing for?
Omae: Focus has shifted to next year's (August) World championship in China.
Game Yetu: How does your typical training day look like?
Omae: I wake up very early in the morning, go for training sessions then head to the gym in the evening.
Game Yetu: What do you eat the morning before a race?
Omae: I eat high-carbohydrates and proteins foods to kick-start the day and improve my endurance.
Game Yetu: What's your post-race indulgence?
Omae: I get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. I also take USN supplements to help me recover.
Game Yetu: What makes you different from other athletes?
Omae: I can't really say much on that, maybe someone else would answer best.
Game Yetu: What's the worst thing about running?
Omae: Sometimes things may not go as you planned or thought in a race after endless training and hardwork.
Game Yetu: How do you juggle between academics and training?
Omae: It's all about personal discipline and time management. There is always time for training and time to study.
Game Yetu: There have been claims on doping in the Kenyan sports, what are your thoughts?
Omae: I think it is not fair to tarnish the image of the hardworking Kenyan sports men and women especially without proof and facts of doping.
Game Yetu: From Kenya's performance at the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas and Glasgow Commonwealth Games, what is the future of sprints in the country?
Omae: The future is bright. With some investment in the discipline which I believe the federation is working on soon we will be back in the map with the giants.
Game Yetu: Your comment on the recent happenings in rugby. Do you think Paul Treu has what takes to guide Kenya sevens to the Olympics?
Omae: I have been out of touch with rugby as a player and I cannot comment on that. I am more of a fan nowadays and I enjoy watching it and hanging out with my former teammates.
Game Yetu: Kenya has dominated in middle and long distance races, would you consider trying marathon in future?
Omae: Hehehe...Marathon is a different discipline altogether which one does not
just switch to especially a sprinter.
Game Yetu: What do you think about when you are running?
Omae: Crossing the finish line.
Game Yetu: Which sprinter do you admire the most and why?
Omae: Usain bolt because of his attitude and confidence. I hope to compete against him someday.

Game Yetu: Who is the fiercest racer you have ever competed against?
Omae: It should be Lehato Mosito from Lesotho.
Game Yetu: What do you want to be doing in ten years?
Omae: Apart from being an entrepreneur, I would like to be involved in sports, help and nurture emerging young talents.
Game Yetu: What's the first thing you would buy if you won one million dollars in a race?
Omae: A house.
Game Yetu: What is one language you wish you could speak?
Omae: (chuckles) Spanish.