Record-breaking Ivorian sprinter joins Omanyala’s training camp ahead of Paris Olympics

Months after Ivorian sprinter Arthur Cisse gave Ferdinand Omayala a run for his money during the Lievin meeting in the 60m race, the two are now gearing up to sharpen one another ahead of the Paris Olympics.

According to Omanyala's coach Geoffrey Kimani, Cisse has joined their training program in Nairobi as the two look to bring the best out of each other in a significant year coming ahead.

With his record in 60m and 200m, Kimani indicated that Cisse would light up the training program ahead of the Olympics.

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The Ivorian will partner with Omanyala who is keen to leave a mark during his second appearance at the Olympics competition.

"Pursuit for excellence. A warm welcome to Ivorian sprinter Arthur Gue Cisse to our training group and program leading up to the Olympics," Kimani announced.

"Arthur holds the Ivorian sprints records 60m to 200m, fantastic addition to our team, great personality, good partnership for Ferdinand Omanyala," he added.

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Cisse Record

Cisse has a great record which Kimani is looking to build on to sharpen Omanyala's iron. During the Tokyo Olympic Games, Cisse lifted the spirits of Ivorian runners in 100m s/final qualification.

The Ivorian sprinter finished second in the series with 10.15 behind South African Akani Simbine, who topped the event with 10.08. Brazilian Paulo Andre Camilo came third with 10.17.  He has won several medals at the international level including a gold medal in the 2015 African Games.

With his experience in the global arena, coach Kimani is hoping that Cisse would inspire Omanyala who recently missed out on a medal at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, after finishing in fourth place in the 60m dash final won by America’s Chris Coleman.

Omanyala didn’t have an electric start off the blocks as he had in the heats and semis where he clocked 6.52 consecutively, and came home with a slower time of 6.56.

Coleman led compatriot Noah Lyles, the pre-race favourite to a one-two American finish where he clocked a world-leading time of 6.41 while Lyles crossed the line in 6.44.

Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake finished third in 6.46 with Omanyala failing in his late bid to narrow the gap towards the line.

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Kimani's Achievements

The two promising sprinters have decided to join Kimani due to his experience. The tactician is a former National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Strength and Conditioning lead consultant for Team Kenya.

His first assignment was during the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Before that, Kimani worked with Team Kenya ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.

Kimani has also worked as a Strength and Conditioning coach for the Kenya Rugby Union where he worked with Shujaa on various international duties.

He also had a short stint in Uganda where he sharpened Uganda Sevens, a now formidable team in the region.

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