Shut up, you're an influencer - Pundit calls out Ferdinand Omanyala's controversial takes on refusing to race IShowSpeed for free

A self-acclaimed athletics pundit has called out Ferdinand Omanyala's controversial reasons for refusing to race iShowSpeed for free while the streamer was in Kenya for his tour.

The popular streamer's visit to Kenya 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.

He further stressed the fundamental difference between his profession and that of a content creator, as his sources of income are entirely dependent on his performance on the track and his contracts with corporate partners, such as Adidas and Toyota.

"These guys are paying me because of running. Coming to do something like an exhibition run means I have to pause some of the things that I'm doing.

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

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

"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."

Following his admissions, which were met with widespread controversy from track fans and enthusiasts, a notable online critic known for his controversial takes on athletics matters came hard on Omanyala, saying he is an influencer for the sport and his sponsors pay him to influence their brands.

Despite Omanyala's refusal, iShowSpeed has previously raced Olympic champions Noah Lyles (lost) and Letsile Tebogo (won). He is now in Ethiopia on his tour.

He is seen as a potential elite sprinter if well-trained professionally and has even received coaching offers from track legend Usain Bolt and sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson.