Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has received a major boost ahead of his Olympic debut at the ongoing Games in Paris. Kenya Breweries Limited, through its flagship brand Tusker, has announced a Ksh 5 million sponsorship deal to support the Africa 100m record holder.
Omanyala, who proudly carried the Kenyan flag during the opening ceremony, is set to compete in the men’s 100m heats this Saturday. He expressed his excitement about the partnership and gratitude for the support and confidence shown by Tusker.
“This partnership with Tusker comes at a crucial time as I ramp up my training for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This support from KBL will not only enhance my preparations but also inspire me to achieve greater heights. I have been working tirelessly with my coaching team to ensure I am in peak form for the Games. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making Kenya proud on the global stage. I urge all Kenyans to rally behind Team Kenya and cheer us on as we aim to bring the medals home from Paris,” said Omanyala.
KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said that the partnership is part of the company’s broader commitment to Team Kenya during this year’s Olympic Games in Paris aimed at supporting the team’s preparations and logistical necessities for the highly anticipated event.
“Our partnership with Ferdinand Omanyala underscores our steadfast support for Team Kenya. We believe in the immense potential of our athletes and are dedicated to providing them with the resources they need to excel. Ferdinand’s remarkable achievements and dedication to his sport make him an exemplary ambassador for our brand.
We have great trust in his abilities and are confident that he will represent Kenya with distinction at the Olympics. We call upon all Kenyans to support Ferdinand and the entire Team Kenya as they prepare to compete in Paris. Let’s unite and cheer them on to victory,” said Ocitti.
Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has received a major boost ahead of the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, thanks to a Ksh 5 million sponsorship deal from Kenya Breweries Limited through its flagship brand Tusker. Omanyala, who carried the Kenyan flag during the opening ceremony, is set to compete in the men’s 100m heats this Saturday.
Expressing his gratitude for the support, Omanyala highlighted the confidence shown by Tusker. This partnership is part of a broader initiative by the company to back Team Kenya at the Olympics, which includes a Ksh 20 million commitment to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and an additional Ksh 10 million for Kenya’s National Volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, and the sprinters teams. The sponsorship allows EABL to utilize the athletes’ images for promotional purposes during the Olympic period.
Omanyala, who finished fourth in the men’s 100m final at the Hungary World Athletics Championships, aims to be the first African runner to secure an Olympic medal in the 100m event at the 2024 Games, which run from July 26 to August 11. The last African athlete to reach the Olympic podium in sprints was Namibia’s Frankie Fredricks, who won silvers in the men’s 100m and 200m finals at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Holding the African record of 9.77 seconds, Omanyala showcased his abilities by winning the Kenyan Olympic Trial in 9.79 seconds, which was the fastest time of the year until last week.
Recently, he competed in the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, where he clocked 10.01 seconds, finishing ahead of the United States’ Ronnie Baker (10.03) and Canada’s Andre de Grasse (10.07). This event served as a final test for the African champion as he prepares to deliver an outstanding performance in Paris, following his semi-final appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
