While part of the Kenyan delegation flew to Eugene on Tuesday to compete in the world athletics championships which begin on Thursday. Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala has been forced to stay on African soil. In question, he did not receive his visa in time to enter the United States: “I give up my trip to Oregon. Even if I get a visa today, it’s too late”, he resigned himself, before adding: “It’s over. There’s nothing I can do. It was the longest day of waiting in my life. »
The US Embassy has had delays in issuing visas for some athletes, including the 26-year-old sprinter, a contender for the 100m podium after reaching the semi-final at the Tokyo Olympics. Ferdinand Omanyala holds the African record in the 100m and is ranked 3rd in the world for the year in his discipline.
The heats for the 100m will take place on Friday, before the semi-finals and finals on Saturday.