I don't race for free - Why Ferdinand Omanyala was right to decline iShowSpeed's request without $50,000

The ongoing debate over Ferdinand Omanyala's decision to decline popular streamer iShowSpeed's request for a race was a wise choice by the Kenyan sprinter, who would have faced significant risks had the race proceeded.

In his visit to Kenya as part of his African tour, iShowSpeed (aka Speed) sparked widespread excitement and calls for a head-to-head sprint between the two.

However, Omanyala, who is Africa's fastest man in history, explained that his career as a professional athlete, backed by major sponsors, requires him to approach such opportunities with financial and physical considerations in mind.

"I'm not an influencer, man. I do this for money," Omanyala told Mozzart Sport.

Previously, Omanyala stated he would only consider the race if a significant prize purse of at least $50,000 was involved, explaining why his participation cannot be a casual affair.

"Coming to do something like an exhibition run means I have to pause some of the things that I'm doing.

"If we're running, man, it has to be serious. I'm not doing 50 metres, I'm not doing 60 metres. It's 100," the 30-year-old said firmly. "If he comes and wants to race, we have to do a proper one. We have to fill a stadium."

After Omanyala's statement, track fans and enthusiasts became divided over his decision. While some supported it, others opposed, arguing that all sports stars are influencers.

For context, iShowSpeed is arguably the world's biggest streamer, and with his large following, such a race would have promoted the track star's visibility and brand beyond the sport.

In fact, popular self-acclaimed online pundit Erin Brown wrote on X: "You are an influencer...That money they're paying you... isn't for running... it's a tax write off for them for you to spend to build your personal brand to influence the masses to purchase their products, so it's technically an advance payment..."

Although this perspective was communicated inappropriately, it is important to acknowledge that Omanyala has professional interests to safeguard, and his reasoning as a major brand in Africa is valid.

Ferdinand Omanyala is Africa's fastest man in history, equating him as one of the world's best sprinters in the sport. In addition, he's sponsored by top companies Adidas and Toyota.

In all circumstances, he's arguably the face of African sprints, making him a major brand and requires his services to be valued.

Running is his primary occupation, while for iShowSpeed, it serves solely as entertainment and a chance to boast about racing the fastest African man in history.

"For him, after that run, God forbid, he gets an injury, he continues with his streams, even with crutches," Omanyala explained. "But for me, what happens? I need to earn from running, so that's why I need to cover my bases."

By requesting to be paid, Omanyala is simply saying: value my brand, which iShowSpeed has more to gain than lose. And at the same time, there's financial backup to fall back on in case of an unexpected injury.

While many may argue that Speed's platform is a big one for the 30-year-old to sell and bring more visibility to his personal brand and sponsors, the positive odds remain in the streamer's favour than the Kenyan.

When iShowSpeed raced reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, there was $100,000 on the line, even though it was for charity. After requesting a rematch, the American speed king said it has to be done properly in a stadium with fans, money on the line, and will be the standard 100m race. He simply made the same requests as Omanyala.

Going for a challenge with sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson, she declined as well and also said, "I don't race for free."

With Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo in Botswana, the terms of their agreement were not revealed; however, the sprinter lost the race, and it somewhat became a moment of embarrassment of being beaten by an amateur sprinter. Although many may argue that he didn't take the race seriously.

So, considering these scenarios, why is Omanyala being castigated for wanting what's best for his career? Since 'sports is business', if iShowSpeed profits from streaming entertaining content, then Africa's fastest man should also be compensated for racing, regardless of the circumstances.