Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala has clarified why he would only consider racing American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed for a fee of KSh 6.4 million, saying exhibition races carry serious risks for professional athletes.

Speaking on the matter, Omanyala said his decision is based on protecting his career and livelihood.

Unlike online creators, he noted, athletics is his full-time profession and primary source of income.

“I’m not an influencer, I do this for money. I have big companies like Adidas and Toyota,” Omanyala said.

The Africa’s fastest man explained that even a minor injury could disrupt his training schedule, sponsorship commitments, and competitive season.

He stressed that such risks cannot be taken lightly without proper compensation.

“For him, after that run, God forbid he gets an injury, he will still continue with his streams even with scratches,” he explained.

Omanyala’s comments come amid growing public interest in celebrity and influencer races, often organised for entertainment and online content.

However, his stance highlights the sharp contrast between professional athletics and social media-driven spectacles.

For Omanyala, the message is clear: sprinting is not a hobby or a stunt.

“This is my job,” he implied, underscoring why any race outside official competition must come with serious terms.