Kenya is known to be the foundation of victory when it comes to athletics. This is no more cut and dried than it is in the marathon and long-distance races. This is evident from the number of world records set by Kenyan athletes with the most recent win at the Berlin 2022 marathon that once again Eliud Kipchoge flew our flag high up at a record 2hrs 01 min 09seconds.
Who would have thought that Kenyan capabilities run deeper to sprinting where legacies are built in a matter of seconds? Personally, not in my wildest imagination. Ferdinard Omanyala however, has proven it possible time and again. Few athletes in Kenyan history have proven themselves in this area of athletics, but what I can tell you for sure, this is just the beginning. There will be more to come.
And in that spirit, you’d even be more surprised to learn that the potential next Omanyala is in the making, here in Eldoret! Yes, you heard that right!
Wilson Adama Hernandez is currently the fastest man in Eldoret/central rift with a personal best of 10:41 seconds
Wilson Adama Hernandez is currently the fastest man in Eldoret/central rift with a personal best of 10:41 seconds. And he didn’t even start sprinting until after 2020. In the last two years, he has participated in qualifiers representing the county and region and the finals of national championships. At first, Hernandez had his mind set on 400 m and 800 m, but he soon realized that his body is built best for the top-speed foot race.
Having run on the same track and competed against Omanyala, he is determined to loosen the grip on long and middle-distance races in the rift region towards exploring the potential in other areas as well.
“I’ve always been sporty by nature. My friends would casually commend me on how fast I am. Although I was scared at first of the tension that comes with taking part in short races, I learned to push myself. Despite not having encouragement around, I am appreciating my journey in the sport so far. “
His record of 10:15 seconds is impressive, although far from Omanyala’s 9:77 African record, the man who is currently self-trained has proven his potential as outstanding in a region where long-distance training camps and clubs are rampant and non-for sprinters. The ex-gym trainer who has embraced the phrase kujitegemea (self-dependency), is currently his own coach and manager as well. Though he hopes to get someone soon, who, unlike a coach he’s had before, understands the sport and his potential as an athlete.
Hernandez, who is currently in preparation for the upcoming Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN) relay championships in Kasarani this December, together with the World class elite club’s third edition races early next year, has a tight training schedule exploring different areas.
“By 5 am I am usually up. I immediately start my intense workouts to build my core for about an hour. I then rest and take breakfast as I plan my day. Every day is different. Sometimes I do gym work, other days I speed train…it just depends.”
The USN championships, which act as a build-up for the start of Athletics Kenya meetings as of February 2023, are a way for athletes to rank their potential in the different races.
Wilson Adama Hernandez is Omanyala’s die-hard fan
It, however, goes without saying that Wilson Hernandez is Omanyala’s die-hard fan. Immediately I mention Ferdinand Omanyala being his model, his face lights up.
“I’ve known the guy for one and half years, I, met him during my first race in Nairobi. Before that, I knew him from previous Athletics Kenya meetings, at the time I had not begun sprinting. Currently, we are very good friends, he encourages me a lot.”
Sprinting in Kenya is starting to take ground, thanks to Omanyala proving it. Wilson Adama Hernandez also hopes to make such an impact locally here in Eldoret. He says there is not much support and especially effort towards nurturing athletes interested in the sport, and to add salt to the wound are misappropriation of sports funds and discrimination yet when the flag flies high, one is always clothed in black, white, red, and green stripes.
For Wilson Hernandez, a full-time athlete, what gets him up in the morning, is the fact that he is always improving on his skill. For every win, he makes it count to him and his fans and supporters. After all, satisfaction lies in effort. Full effort is full victory.
