African Sprint Champion Ferdinand Omanyala Intensifies Preparations for Olympic Games

African Sprint Champion Ferdinand Omanyala Intensifies Preparations for Olympic Games

African Sprint Champion Ferdinand Omanyala Intensifies Preparations for Olympic Games

Today, Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, celebrated African sprint champion Ferdinand Omanyala’s addition to its diverse and impressive roster of Team Visa athletes, at an event held at Ulinzi Sports Complex, as he begins preparations to compete at The Olympic Games Paris 2024.

In August 2021, Omanyala became the first Kenyan sprinter to break the ten second barrier before setting a new African record of 9.77 seconds in September. He officially became the African champion in June 2022, before becoming the first Kenyan in 60 years to win gold in the 100-metre race at the Commonwealth Games.

Omanyala was recently unveiled as one of 117 athletes joining Team Visa

Speaking at the celebration held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Omanyala shared his sentiments, stating, “Becoming part of Team Visa has not only enhanced my path to the Olympics but has also brought a breath of fresh air to my preparations. The consistent support and collaboration with Visa empowers me to surpass my limits. I look forward to not only sharing the excitement of competition locally but also with athletes and fans globally”

African Sprint Champion Ferdinand Omanyala Intensifies Preparations for Olympic Games

Speaking on her anticipation for Omanyala’s Olympic journey with Team Visa, Eva Ngigi, Country Manager for Visa Kenya, said “As Omanyala intensifies his preparations for the Olympics, we are immensely proud to support his quest. His commitment and dedication mirror Visa’s values of resilience and inclusivity. We stand united with him as he readies himself for the global stage both on and off the track.”

Since 2000, the Team Visa athlete program has championed more than 600 Olympic and Paralympic athletes selected based on their athletic achievements, community involvement, and alignment with Visa’s core values of equality, access, and inclusion.

Athletes are selected based on athletic achievements, personal journey, and social impact, aligned with Visa’s brand values and priorities including diversity, equity, inclusion, and commitment to uplifting their communities.

To learn more about Visa’s support of athletes, please visit: Team Visa