Omanyala is making us proud, says Keino
Retired running legend Kipchoge Keino is full of praise for sprinting phenomenal Ferdinand Omanyala who he feels has changed the dynamics in the country’s athletics circles.
Keino who won a gold medal in the 1,500m race at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico before bagging another gold in 3,000m steeplechase four years later at the Munich Olympics, is of the opinion that Kenya is on the right path to dominate both the sprints and middle distance races.
“I was inspired by the exploits of our sprinter (Ferdinand Omanyala) at last year’s edition of Kipkeino Classic. I am certain there has been a huge number of athletes who want to follow in the footsteps of Omanyala which is something nice for our country,” said Keino who also bagged two Olympic silver medals and three Commonwealth Games gold medals and a bronze.
He said the country has over-relied on middle and long-distance events for medals and now believes that diversifying to the shorter races will increase Kenya’s chances at Championships.
“We need to produce more sprinters and middle-distance runners. Thank you, AK for training more coaches to go around the country to scout for these talents. We have performed well in long-distance and the marathons. Now is the time to take it to another level by dominating relays and sprints,” said Keino whose historic Olympic gold in 1968 set the standard for Kenyan runners.
Speaking ahead of the third edition of Kip Keino Classic World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, set for May 7 at the Kasarani Stadium, the legend says the event can only get better.
Kip Keino Classic’ is named in honour of the retired athlete who is regarded as the father of athletics in Kenya.
“I am proud that my name to be used for the event will encourage our youths to work hard on their talents,” added Keino who found his fame winning gold medals and later on turned to sports administration where he served as the president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).
He further encouraged other sports federations to follow AK’s lead and travel countrywide for talents at the grassroots to grow sports as an industry in the country.
“This country has a lot of talent. Let us work together to nurture them. AK deserve praise for developing young talents from all over the country. Other federations should borrow a leaf so that we can develop as many sportspersons as possible,” the triple Commonwealth gold medalist said.
