Inside the 2024 coaching split: Ferdinand Omanyala’s ex-coach Duncan Ayiemba breaks his silence.see more detail
The coaching split between Ferdinand Omanyala and his long-time coach Duncan Ayiemba in late 2023 marked a significant turning point in the Kenyan sprinter’s career. After nearly eight years of collaboration, the abrupt end to their partnership left Ayiemba surprised and seeking answers.
A Sudden and Uncommunicated Departure
Duncan Ayiemba, who had been instrumental in transforming Omanyala from a rugby player to Africa’s fastest man, was taken aback by the sudden change. He learned about his replacement through a message from Geoffrey Kimani, Omanyala’s new coach, and a subsequent social media post. Ayiemba expressed his disappointment over the lack of direct communication from Omanyala, stating that they had not discussed the matter even after the change was made public .
Financial Disputes and Contractual Issues
Beyond the lack of communication, financial disagreements also played a role in the split. Ayiemba revealed that there were inconsistencies in his payments and a lack of transparency regarding his compensation. He expected to receive 20% of Omanyala’s winnings, as stipulated in their contract, but often received less without clear explanations. This financial strain contributed to the deterioration of their professional relationship .
Omanyala’s Perspective and the Need for Change
From Omanyala’s viewpoint, the decision to change coaches was driven by a desire to revitalize his training and performance. He acknowledged that in previous seasons, he started strong but struggled to maintain peak performance throughout the year. The disappointing seventh-place finish at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest highlighted the need for a new approach. Omanyala admitted that he needed a change to avoid stagnation and to prepare effectively for the upcoming Olympic season .
Transition to Geoffrey Kimani
Geoffrey Kimani, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach, took over Omanyala’s training regimen. Kimani had previously worked with Omanyala and was familiar with his capabilities. He focused on refining Omanyala’s physical condition, including reducing his weight from 90kg to 86kg, to enhance speed without compromising strength. Kimani emphasized the importance of mobility, flexibility, and efficient energy use in sprinting .
Early Results and Optimism
Under Kimani’s guidance, Omanyala showed promising improvements. He set new national records in the 60m indoor events in France, indicating a positive trajectory in his performance. Omanyala expressed satisfaction with the new training methods and felt more prepared for the challenges ahead, including the World Indoor Championships and the Paris Olympics .
Looking Ahead
While the split between Omanyala and Ayiemba was marked by communication breakdowns and financial disputes, both parties have expressed a willingness to move forward. Ayiemba hopes for a future conversation to gain closure, and Omanyala is focused on maximizing his potential with the