Revealed: Omanyala to forego indoor champs to prepare for Tokyo World Champs

Unlike his competitors, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has decided to forego the 2025 World Indoor Championships in what he terms as a broader plan to a successful 2025 campaign, particularly as he eyes fruitful Tokyo World Championships in September.
This will be the first time in three years the 29-year-old sprinter will sit out the indoor season slated for 21-23 March.
“We are not going for the indoor and we shall focus more on the outdoor this time around. At the end of last year, we decided not to pressure ourselves,” Omanyala stated to NationSports.
The 2022 Commonwealth champion had an impressive 2024 indoor season shattering his national 60m record after clocking 6.51s at the Paris Indoor Tour. Prior to that, he had won in Miramas, setting a then record of 6.52s.
“We haven’t had any contacts with most race organizers so we are et to have tangible plans. But we are training well, sessions are even well captured on my social media platforms,” he added.
Reflecting on his Paris Olympics campaign, where he exited in the 100m semi-finals, Omanyala acknowledged the importance of continuous competition and adaptation.
“Competition is something that makes you not be comfortable because at some point I thought I am sitting at the top of the world but failed to reach the final at the Paris Olympics,” he admitted.
With his eyes firmly set on Tokyo, Omanyala is embracing a patient and pressure-free approach.
“The Tokyo worlds are a bit far, and I shall focus on a day at a time without any pressure for the next competition.”
His competitors Noah Lyles and Kishane Thompson have already kicked off their indoor campaigns- Lyles won the New Balance Grand Prix after clocking 6.52s while Kishane clocked 6.56s at the Astana Indoor Meet.