World Athletics Championship:Africa’s Fastest Sprinter Omanyala To Miss The Championship
BY Bibhu Ray
(The Quiver): African fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala told that he has given up competing at the World Athletics Championship in the United states because of delay getting a visa.
“I have given up my trip in Oregon. Even If I am given a visa today it’s too late,” said the 26 year old sprinter.Omanyala had been due to compete in the 100m heats on the first day of the World Championships on Friday, but lost a race against time to secure his US visa and travel to Oregon- a trip of about 24 hours or more. Omanyala is the third quickest man in the world this season behind Americans Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell, setting a time of 9.85 in May.
“It would mean booking flights which can only be possible at night and the race is on tomorrow. It’s not possible,” he said.
In September last year, he clinched the African record of 9.77, making him the ninth fastest man ever, behind four Americans and three Jamaicans.”I have accepted the situation and will now focus on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” said Omanlaya. The Commonwealth Games open in the English city on June 28 and run until August 8.
