Bayanda Walaza: It’s a real honour to compete with Ferdinand Omanyala

Bayanda Walaza has expressed his deep admiration for Ferdinand Omanyala, citing him as an inspiration for his sprinting career. The two-time world U20 champion is extremely grateful to Ferdinand Omanyala and said it was an honour to compete with him in any format.

Ferdinand Omanyala and Bayanda Walaza first met at the sixth edition of the Kip Keino Classic, where Walaza finished second (10.03 sec) to Omanyala (10.07 sec), while Lachlan Kennedy won the race with a personal best of 9.98 sec.

Bayanda Walaza stressed that Ferdinand Omanyala has inspired his career and that it is thanks to the reigning Commonwealth Games champion that he has been able to rise. Bayanda Walaza added that he has always dreamed of competing with Ferdinand Omanyala and the Kip Keino Classic has made that dream come true.

“It’s a real honour to compete with Ferdinand Omanyala. It’s something every athlete wants to compete with the pros”, said Bayanda Walaza. “I pay tribute to Ferdinand Omanyala and I will tell him again and again – he is the reason I am here. He has inspired many of us, not only Kenyans but all over Africa. He is a role model for everyone. I feel truly honoured to compete with him”, added he.

Bayanda Walaza has become one of the most talented young sprinters in Africa.