For coaches and athletes, the planet is the playfield. Trails, courts, oceans, pitches—they’re where the magic happens. But climate change is putting all of that at risk. So, for this issue of Polar Journal, we’ve teamed up with adidas to raise awareness on the need to protect the places we play. Without a beautiful planet, there’s no beautiful game. That’s what the adidas Move For The Planet initiative is all about.
We caught up with sprinting superstar and adidas athlete Ferdinand Omanyala to hear why he’s moving for the planet—and threw in a few rapid-fire questions to get to know him beyond the track.
Omanyala isn’t just fast—he’s the fastest man in Africa. The Kenyan sprinter blazed through the 100 meters in a stunning 9.77 seconds, setting a continental record in 2021. He’s a two-time Olympian and proudly carried the Kenyan flag at the 2024 Paris Games.
How many hours do you train every week?
It depends on the time of the season. Off season, when there is no competition, I train four to six hours a day. During the season, I prioritize recovery too, so I dial it back to four to five hours.
What does motivate you to move for the planet?
I’m deeply concerned about climate change. The spaces we have left have to be protected. I’d do whatever it takes to protect the places and the planet for future generations. Plus, I love being surrounded by natural, green spaces. Thats why I’m all in with the Move For The Planet initiative.
The best advice a coach ever gave you?
Never be afraid of anyone on that start list.
What’s the toughest workout you've ever done?
For me the toughest workouts are the ones with low recover time. For example, doing 100/100/100, with three-minute rest, next do 200/200/100, and then again do 100/100/100 with one-minute rest in between.
Speed or strength — which wins races?
Strength wins races.
First thought when you step into the blocks?
First thought on the blocks is always "just relax”.
What’s the longest distance you’ve ever run?
I have done a 5km in Dubai.
Coming from a country of marathoners, who was your biggest inspiration in sprinting?
I looked up so much to Yohan Blake.
What’s always in your gym bag?
My training bag never misses a face towel, spikes and water bottles.
Do you have any songs that get you hyped before a race?
I have a race day playlist with plenty of our tribe cultural songs. We also put together a workout playlist to inspire us to move for the planet.
Finally, one mantra you live by?
One mantra I live by is Never give up.
The adidas’ annual Move For The Planet initiative is all about making sports facilities around the world more resilient against extreme weather conditions. From May 12th to 25th, every 10 minutes of activity logged in the adidas Running app equals €1 donated by adidas, up to €1.5 million. Thanks to adidas partner Common Goal, that money goes straight to global projects working to protect the places we play. Visit the adidas website to learn more details.
You can connect your Polar Watch to the adidas Running app to track your training. And remember, every new Polar Watch purchase comes with a free 3-month subscription to adidas Running.
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