African 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala has been named the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) sportsperson of the month for July after his scintillating run in Birmingham.
Omanyala became the first ever Kenyan in 60 years to win the Commonwealth Games title on August 3rd stamping his authority in the field track event.
Omanyala clocked 10.02 seconds, denying defending champion Akani Simbine from South Africa who came second clocking 10.13 sec.
“I am really delighted to have won this award not just this time but for the second time. I want to thank LG and SJAK for this gesture because it is always an encouragement for other sportsmen to keep working hard,” Omanyala said.
“I want to keep winning it and next year I promise I will win more.” He added.
Omanyala brushed off Kenya Sevens star Billy Odhiambo who surpassed the 100-try mark at the Los Angeles Sevens, Mary Moraa who secured bronze at the World Championships and the Commonwealth 800m title as well as Paralympian Hellen Wawira who settled for bronze in the para-power lifting competition also in Birmingham.
Double 1500m World Champion Faith Kipyegon made it to the list of nominees after she run the second fastest time in history at the Monaco leg of the Diamond League.
Other nominees to be feted included netball player Beatrice Bucho, Jackline Chepkoech for winning the 3000 Metres Steeplechase Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, Faisal Aden of Equity basketball team and Faith Chetotich for winning the 3000 Metres Steeplechase gold at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Pascual Guerrero Stadium.
“LG has been actively supporting the identification and recognition of sporting talent in Kenya through a partnership with SJAK. The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional Kenyan sportsmen and women for their achievements across diverse disciplines each month and also to signify our commitment to contribute to the development of sport in the country,” said Marketing Manager LG East Africa Changhyun Kim, in a statement read by the Marketing and Communications boss Maureen Kemunto.
Sports Journalist Association of Kenya President Chris Mbaisi, on his part, thanked LG for their continued support over the past eight years.
“With the monthly award, we are seeing a growing number of upcoming and talented sports personalities among them Angela Okutoyi who won the Wimbledon Open Junior category and won this award for a record three times. Rewarding sportsmen and women is a is an important step towards whipping up the enthusiasts of sports personalities across all disciplines,” he said.
The Commonwealth champion accompanied by his wife, was awarded an LG artificial intelligent 8kg washing machine retailing at Sh105,000.