- Omanyala was taking part in his first Olympic games and easily cruised to the semi-finals in a time of 10.01 seconds finishing third in his heat to set a new National record.
- However, in the semi-finals, he clocked 10 seconds to finish third with only two athletes advancing to the final.
Image: HANDOUT
Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala almost made history at the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo when he missed out on securing a slot in the men's 100m final by microseconds.
Omanyala was taking part in his first Olympic games and easily cruised to the semi-finals in a time of 10.01 seconds finishing third in his heat to set a new National record.
However, in the semi-finals, he clocked 10 seconds to finish third with only two athletes advancing to the final.
Omanyala has since gone on to win the Gold medal in the Commonwealth Games as well as setting a new record in Africa.
This has motivated him and he says Tokyo was a good learning experience and he would be put to make sure he doesn't miss out on the final.
"I have come to learn over the year's it takes experience. At the last Olympics, I did not compete with many big boys. I had not taken part in the Diamond League or any continental tour. It was a hard pill to pick but now we are getting there," Omanyala said.
"Having competed with almost the best in the world, it's a whole different experience. I am not going to be amazed at anything I see at the Village. I have been to Paris nine times, so nothing will make me feel this is like a new place."
Omanyala is already in Miramas France and is stepping up his preparations ahead of the game and he says everything is looking good so far.
The National champion says his body is responding well to training in France and he is excited about the games.
In terms of weather, Omanyala says the weather in Miramas is good for him since sprinters are always excited by the prospect of training under hot weather as it helps keep muscles loose and flexible.
Heat can also enhance muscle function.
Omanyala will be going to the games as the second fastest but he says this will count for nothing when the games get underway.
"When we get to the Olympic stadiums on 3rd, none of that will matter. What matters is how well prepared you are, mentally, health-wise, only that will matter, all these times that have been set for games will count for nothing," he added.
The sprinter was also quick to thank the National Olympics committee for the support they have given all athletes including setting up the training camp in Miramas in France as well as making sure all allowances have been paid in good time.
However, he says representing Kenya at the games is way bigger than allowances.
Team Kenya has already received their kits with the majority of athletes set to arrive in France this week.
The game's opening ceremony will be held on Friday.