Omanyala shares experiences of perseverance and hard work with University of Nairobi students

Ferdinand Omanyala at University of Nairobi [photo courtesy]

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala on Monday joined University of Nairobi students to talk about the virtues of hard work and staying focused if they must succeed in their academic pursuits and future in general.

The students, who gathered at the University's Taifa hall, learned about the complexities of participating in sports while studying from Africa men’s 100m record holder.

Omanyala, who is also a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student at the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, used the occasion to counsel the students on the virtues of hard work and staying focused.

“Persistence and discipline are key. I encourage you my fellow comrades to combine persistence, discipline and hard work in order to succeed,” said Omanyala, who holds the national record with 9.77 seconds.

“I used to train at railways my first semester in the first year, You have to know how to do your things. I am still a student and I believe I will finish.”

Ferdinand Omanyala celebrates after clocking 10.02 in 100m during the national Olympic trials in June. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The 100m Olympic semi-finalist also shared his experiences of perseverance and never giving up.

“There are so many people who play sports here. One thing I would like to request you is not to give up.  It has been a journey, people have been seeing me this year but they have not seen the hardest part of the journey,” he added.

“One thing I would like to tell you, if you are playing sports, if you are doing anything, never give up. Never give up on anything that you are doing.”

Mid last month, Omanyala was happy to compete against some of the world’s greats including Gatlin, who came a distant third in 10.03 and Trayvon Bromell who won the race in 9.76.

Omanyala was a rugby player before he transitioned to sprinting. His rugby talent was discovered and nurtured at Kamusinga High School.