Ex-rugby star Omae takes to track

Former Kenya Sevens winger Collins Omae will be in Glasgow, Scotland for the Commonwealth Games.

However, Omae will not be playing rugby at the games after dumping the sport for athletics.

The 24-year-old rugby player turned sprinter is among 68 runners Athletics Kenya selected for the games during the national championships at Nyayo Stadium last weekend.

And Omae owes it all to former sprinter and Kenya Sevens strength and conditioning coach Geoffrey Kimani. He will team up with United States-based Calvin Nkanata at the Glasgow games as well as at the Africa Championships slated for August 10 to 14 in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Nkanata was among seven athletes  given wild cards. Others are Olympic 800m champion and World Record holder David Rudisha, Olympic and World 3,00m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi  and World and Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Milcah Chemos.

Omae, who dumped rugby in 2011, was in top form, clocking 21.60 seconds to win men’s 200m. He  beat Kenya Defence Forces runners Walter Moenga (21.69) and Tony Chirchir (21.74) respectively. “It’s been a long journey full of frustrations but I thank God I have made a great step towards a bright future,” said the former Mwamba RFC player.

WORK IN PROGRESS

 “I was so disappointed  after failing to qualify for 2012 London Olympics and 2013 World Championships due to an injury but I kept on pushing,” he added. “I have the endurance but I still need to work on my speed.” 

“I thank Kimani for his patience and for being there for me in thick or thin,” said Omae. “I am not yet there but the progress is good.”

Kimani said Omae initially lacked the fundamentals of a sprinter and was weak. “He started as a 400m runner but I had to break him down to 200m since a good one-lap runner has to get his act right in 200m,” Kimani said.

Omae reckoned that it is a process but he wants to be in a stage where he would like to compete with the best in the world. “Ultimately, my dream is to make it to the World Champion ships next year and the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Omae, who last played for Kenya Sevens during the 2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series.

By then Kimani, who was Kenya fascinated by Omae speed on the wing was quick to advise the younger’s to try his sprightly legs in athletics.

“I remember it was after I had played for Kenya 2009 Junior World Rugby Trophy that Kimani dangled the athletics carrot but I was bit hesitant to take it,” Omae said. “I decided to take it but even with the challenges he instilled the element of hope, discipline and determination in me.”

Omae was coaxed into rugby by Larry Odago in 2005 when he was in form two at Dagoretti High School before Kimani plucked him out to athletics.

“Glory to the almighty since Omae has come a long way, faced many obstacles and rejection but we stood together,” said Kimani. “As a coach I dedicate this win to my late coach Magda Botha who also stood and believed in my abilities as an athlete and later conditioning coach.”