Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has shared the type of relationship he shares with his track rivals including Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Akani Simbine among other stars.
The Commonwealth Games 100m champion noted that outside of the track, he shares a platonic relationship with his track rivals.
He however added that, when they set foot on the track, it is an ‘everyone for themselves and God for us all’ affair. He acknowledged that there is a lot of rivalry in the sport but behind the cameras and all the activities in the sport, they maintain their friendship.
Speaking to Pulse Sports exclusively, Omanyala said: “The sport has a lot of rivalry and because when we get to the track it’s all about fierce stuff because we mean business.
“But behind the cameras we are good friends, we talk to each other, and encourage each other when someone falters. I remember at the World Championships we had a conversation with Kerley and Simbine because of what happened.
“We are all human and sport goes a long way beyond the track and we’ll need these relationships sometimes later. We are good friends but when we get to track, we mean business.”
At the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, South Africa’s Simbine was unfortunately disqualified after a false start during the semifinal of the men’s 100m.
Defending champion Kerley also finished third in his semifinal heat and his time was not sufficient for a place in the final.
As for Omanyala, he finished seventh in the final of the men’s 100m and failed to achieve his target of bagging a medal during his second appearance on the global stage.
