Athlete, Ferdinand Omanyala, has once again addressed the online debate surrounding why he declined to race American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, saying the decision was rooted in professionalism, risk management, and knowing his value as an elite athlete.
The conversation gained traction after IShowSpeed’s visit to Kenya sparked excitement among fans, with many calling for a friendly sprint between the global internet personality and the Commonwealth Games 100m champion.
While some online users framed Omanyala’s refusal as avoidance or arrogance, the sprinter has firmly rejected that narrative, offering a detailed explanation of his position.
Speaking on the matter, Omanyala made it clear that what may look like entertainment to fans carries serious professional consequences for a career athlete.
“For you guys, it is entertainment, but for me it is an input,” Omanyala said. “I need to prepare for that race, stop my routine training for like three days.”
Omanyala explained that elite sprinting is not a casual activity that can be switched on and off at will.
Any race, even an exhibition sprint, requires specific preparation, warm-ups, recovery time, and medical oversight. Interrupting a structured training program, especially during a competitive season, could affect performance or lead to injury.
The sprinter also highlighted the intensity of his training schedule, noting that his career demands year-round discipline.
“Imagine me putting in seven hours a day, three to four months before a season, and 44 weeks in a year, for someone to come and pay me with streams and likes. Is it fair?” he posed.
Omanyala further stressed that financial and contractual realities played a major role in his decision. As a sponsored athlete with upcoming competitions and commitments, any injury sustained outside sanctioned events would be difficult to justify to his management team.
“If I get injured, how do I explain that to my sponsors?” he asked, pointing out that his career is not just about personal choices but also contractual obligations.
“This is not about fear,” Omanyala said in a separate explanation. “It’s about understanding what you’re risking.”
IShowSpeed, known for his high-energy stunts and public challenges, has previously raced celebrities and athletes in informal settings, often turning such moments into viral content.
However, Omanyala noted that the difference in stakes between a content creator and a professional athlete is significant.
To him, a race is not just a spectacle but a physical investment that carries long-term consequences.
“When you get to a point where you understand your value, that is one of the most important things you can ever do,” Omanyala said. “No one can joke with your name once you know your worth.”
