Ferdinand Omanyala Interests: hobbies, philanthtropy, and activities outside of athletics

While Ferdinand Omanyala is best known for his blistering speed on the track, Kenya's sprint sensation leads a rich and multifaceted life away from athletics.

Born on January 2, 1996, this piece delves into some of Omanyala's interests, hobbies, and activities that showcase the man behind the medals.

Despite his gruelling training schedule, Omanyala prioritises time with his family. He is a devoted husband to Laventa Amutavi and a loving father to their young son. 

Omanyala often shares glimpses of family life on social media, highlighting the importance of this support system in his success.

Omanyala is passionate about education, especially for young and like minds having balanced his university studies with his athletic career. 

He frequently visits schools to inspire young students, emphasising the importance of education alongside sports. 

This interest is what pushed the Paris 2024 Olympian Omanyala to establish a foundation to support promising student-athletes while building a better community in Kenya.

Beyond the track, Africa’s fastest man, a record he set in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, Omanyala has shown an interest in business. 

He has partnered with several Kenyan and international companies for endorsements and has hinted at plans to launch his sports-related ventures once his competitive career winds down. 

Some of the companies he has partnered with include Toyota, AirFrance and ZeroLimits, a product for metabolic waste that leads to shorter recoveries. 

Omanyala is actively involved in various community initiatives in Kenya. One of Omanyala's flagship projects is his work with the Ferdinand Omanyala Foundation.

The organisation provides educational scholarships and support to young and emerging talents in Kenya and helps to build a community of sprinters.

Omanyala’s dream has also recorded a first win following the sponsorship of a young talent to the country’s High School National Athletics Championship.

According to a post on its social media, the first beneficiary of one of its flagship programmes, the sprinters' achievers mentorship, was supported for the national event.

Also, the foundation got support from the founder of SportscoAfrica and Sports Under-40 class 2018 star Cynthia Mumbo. 

Recognising his position as a role model, Omanyala dedicates time to mentoring up-and-coming athletes.

He often conducts clinics and training sessions, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of Kenyan sprinters.

He is also known to share some wonderful experience-led inspirational quotes on his social media as he continues to inspire not just Kenyans but other kids from Africa.

Kenyan legend Omanyala has mentioned his love for trying different cuisines in various interviews. 

While maintaining a strict diet during training periods, he enjoys exploring not just Kenya's diverse culinary offerings but also other places around the world.

The 28-year-old once revealed how he enjoys a snack - three plates of rice for his lunch - before training sessions.

He is also a fan of pizza, pasta, focaccia, chicken and fish and buggers on the day he is allowed to be free.

While Ferdinand Omanyala's lightning-fast sprints have captured global attention, his life off the track reveals a well-rounded individual dedicated to personal growth, family, and giving back to his community. 

One thing about the Kenyan star is he strongly believes everyone should smile because life is not that serious hence you will always catch him wearing a smile.

According to one of his posts on Instagram, one can still do so many things despite the nature of his craft and job while wearing a smile and laughing. 

Omanyala believes that sometimes people take life too seriously and it ends up messing them up.

So, there is every reason to smile, and his smile makes others around him smile as well but also don’t forget to be good to someone and things will surely be fine.