NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 14 – Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala says he doesn’t want to put pressure on himself with lofty goals this season.
Instead, the African 100m record holder aims to approach the upcoming campaign with the simple desire to enjoy the sport of athletics.
Omanyala reflected on the pressure he placed on himself last season in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, which, he believes, detracted from his enjoyment of the track.
This time around, Omanyala has chosen to adopt a different mindset.
Speaking to Telecomasia.net, Omanyala explained that his focus this season is to maintain an open heart and a positive spirit.
“I am getting into this season with just one goal; to enjoy athletics. I realized that I was taken away from it too much and I had put so much in my head in terms of races and targets, but that is not what I am going with into this season. I just want to appreciate every moment that I am on the track and walk to the starting blocks. I just want to feel happy, I want to enjoy runs just like I used to during my rookie years. I don’t want to focus on what’s coming and what medals I want to get,” he told Telecomasia.
Omanyala, 29, had high hopes last season, setting his sights on becoming the first Kenyan to reach the Olympic 100m final. However, his dream was dashed when he finished a disappointing eighth in the semifinals.
With the World Championships on the horizon this year, Omanyala is determined not to add any undue pressure on himself. Instead, he plans to approach the competition with an open mind, focusing on enjoying the journey rather than the destination.
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