Born with a Heart Condition, She Defied the Odds to Become One of Kenya’s Top Sportswomen

She hails from Western Kenya, a region proving that Kenya can be a sprinting powerhouse. With unshakable confidence, a model’s grace, and a radiant smile, she turns heads both on and off the track.

She is Laventa Luvandwa Amutavi—a sprinter, long jumper, triple jumper, and wife to Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.

Her journey, from battling a heart condition as a child to becoming a national sprinting icon, is nothing short of inspiring.

A Childhood Overshadowed by Health Concerns

Born in Kamois, Vihiga County, Laventa grew up in a large extended family and attended Kamois Primary School before transferring to Erusui Girls.

Unlike most young athletes, she wasn’t allowed to do sports—strictly forbidden by her parents due to a congenital heart condition known as Riomelica.

“My mom told the deputy principal, ‘This girl is delicate; please take care of her.’” — Laventa

Deep down, she longed to run, play, and compete like her peers.

Her breakthrough came unexpectedly in Class 7 when a keen-eyed sports teacher noticed her love for running.

“I see you dashing up and down. I want you to compete in the school games.”

Terrified, Laventa even faked illness, but the teacher’s promise of chips and soda convinced her. Although her primary school sports career never took off, everything changed in secondary school.

Finding a Mentor in Vivian Mchimuti

At Erusui Girls, Laventa met Vivian Mchimuti, a senior student and sprinter.

“She slept on the upper deck; I was on the lower one. She introduced me to sprinting.”

Inspired, Laventa followed Vivian to training, soaking up every lesson.

In 2009, at a competition in Nyagori Secondary School, she won her first-ever race. The feeling was unreal.

“The joy of seeing my classmates and teachers celebrate me was unforgettable.”

When Vivian graduated, Laventa took over as the school’s sprint queen.

“Sports became my escape. Our school was strict academically, and I was a sharp student, but I needed something beyond books.”

Ironically, the sports her parents feared would weaken her heart made her stronger. Today, she’s completely healthy.

Discovering New Talents in College

After high school, Laventa joined Kamois Technical University to study Computer Science. There, fate introduced her to modeling.

“A lecturer told me, ‘Your looks are meant for modeling. You should try it.’”

Though underage, she impressed the Miss Tourism Kenya – Vihiga County judges and secured a spot in the camp.

She also joined the college dance crew, winning competitions and using prize money for upkeep.

In 2013, after transferring to Moi University, she rediscovered athletics.

“I heard about university sports and thought, ‘I used to run in high school, why not?’”

She registered and, to her surprise, was selected to represent the university.

Best part? She received a Ksh 5,600 allowance—a fortune for a campus student!

Her results? 2nd in the 100m, 3rd in the 200m, and 2nd in long jump—confirming she had a future in sports.

A Wild Card to the World Stage

With no professional coach, Laventa trained herself by sprinting up hills near home.

“My mum played a role too—she always sent me to the market, which was quite a distance.”

In 2014, she competed in the East Africa University Games at Kasarani Sports Complex, Nairobi. Her performance earned her a wildcard to the World University Games in Taipei, China.

“I didn’t win a medal, but the experience is unforgettable.”

Meeting Ferdinand Omanyala – Love & Partnership

At the same time, another rising sprinter was making waves—Ferdinand Omanyala.

“I kept hearing about this new guy giving seniors a tough time.”

One day, after winning her race during University games   she caught Omanyala’s eye.

“I had brightly colored hair—I believe that’s how he noticed me on the track.”

As she paid for her lunch, Omanyala came over the counter and introduced himself.

“He went ahead and asked for my number, but I tactfully took his instead.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Today, they are Kenya’s most famous sprinting couple, balancing elite athletics and family life.

A Setback & A Triumphant Return

In 2022, after maternity leave, Laventa made a comeback, reaching the 100m semi-finals. By then, Ferdinand had secured his breakthrough in sprints and was making headlines not only in Kenya buy even abroad, and their family was thriving.

In 2023, an injury struck—a knee problem that sidelined her for most of the season.

Doctors recommended surgery, but she chose rehabilitation instead.

“Coach Geoffrey Kimani did an excellent job during my rehab, and now I’m fully healed.”

She also credits her husband.

“Ferdy is a true gentleman. He lifts me up when I’m down. He knows when to be a husband, a father, and a sportsman.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

With 2025 on the horizon, Laventa is undecided between focusing on sprints or jumps.

“I’ve competed in some Bingwa Fest events supported by Betika betting Company and am very happy with how my body has reacted.”

Her advice to young athletes?

“Sports isn’t mastered overnight. Some get their breakthrough quickly, others take time. Stay patient, train hard, and be disciplined.”

Beyond athletics, she has other passions.

“I love cooking for my family and watching movies. My favourite meal? Chicken! Anytime is chicken time for me.”

She also hopes to pursue modelling professionally.

From a child battling a heart condition to a national sprinting icon, Laventa’s story proves that resilience, passion, and determination can defy even the greatest odds.