But so far, many African track and field athletes have encountered delays in U.S. visas. On the 13th, he posted on social media that there were still two days before the start of the 100-meter race at the World Championships, but he and five compatriots were still in Nairobi and

2022 Eugene World Track and Field Championships will kick off on July 15th. But so far, many African track and field athletes have encountered delays in US visa .

Kenyan flyer Ferdinand Omanyala is one of them. On the 13th, he posted on social media that there were still two days before the start of the 100-meter race at the World Championships, but he and five compatriots were still in Nairobi and could not go to Eugene, the United States.

Ferdinand Omanyala

According to reports from the British sports media "Inside the Games" and other media on the 13th, many African track and field athletes, including 6 Kenyan athletes, are still worried about US visas.

The World Track and Field Championships are about to start on the 15th, but many athletes cannot even arrive in Eugene, USA for training due to jet lag.

Kenyan athlete Oman Yala, who set the African men's 100-meter record last year (9.77 seconds), complained on social media on the 13th that the United States was delaying his visa, saying that he has not been able to leave until now.

British Reuters quoted a spokesman for Oman Yala as saying that the team was still waiting for a US visa or other permission to leave Nairobi . "The current situation is frustrating, but Omanyala is still full of hope for the World Championships trip."

In fact, even if the trip finally takes place, the hasty schedule will undoubtedly have an impact on the athletes' competition on Friday.

"This is a long trip and it takes 22 hours to get there. As an athlete, you also have to rest, train and get rid of jet lag." Omanyala said in an interview with Kenyan media "Pulse Sports".

The media also pointed out that the issuance of U.S. visas for many African track and field athletes is still being delayed, including five compatriots of Omanyala. According to the plan, they should have left Nairobi in batches on the 11th and 12th.

With no other choice, the Kenya Athletics Association could only ask the local government for help, hoping that they could contact the United States.

In addition to Kenyan athletes, Cote d'Ivoire sprinter Mary Josie Talou can't stand it anymore. She complained on social media, "As a hard-working athlete, when you qualify for the World Championships, you find that you still have to face visa issues. As a result, you either can't make the trip, or you can only arrive on the day of the competition. So they still expect the athletes to perform. Outstanding? It’s so frustrating”.

Jamaica reporters revealed on the 13th that the 19-year-old Jamaican athlete Gregory Prince was also in a hurry because he had just obtained his visa on Tuesday local time. "The Jamaica Athletics Association is doing everything possible to ensure that the athlete can get on the flight to Oregon, the United States."

South African sports media "IOL Sports" revealed that as of now, a total of 10 South African sprinters have not obtained U.S. visas and are stranded in Italy. . Before taking part in the competition, they all have no choice but to fight against time.

It is worth noting that many Nigerian officials and reporters revealed in interviews with Canadian Running Magazine that they paid the visa fee as early as April, but have not received the visa yet, and some people's appointment times have even been changed. It has been postponed to March 2024.

“I don’t know why the US Embassy in Nigeria would allow scalpers to control appointment dates. I wish the US government embassies around the world would respect athletes, coaches and accredited journalists. I’m sure athletes from the UK, Germany and Australia, Officials and journalists will not be treated like this."

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