Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, the Ghanaian high jumper who recently clinched gold at the African Games, is now in prime position to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With just three months remaining until the commencement of the quadrennial event, concerns have been raised among Ghanaians regarding the absence of qualified athletes in any sport. Hosting the African Games in Ghana was hoped to provide homegrown athletes with the opportunity to achieve qualifying standards that could propel them to Paris.

Following the conclusion of the African Games, an analysis indicates that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the 22-year-old athlete should secure her spot.

The Criteria: According to Olympic Games regulations, 32 athletes are eligible to compete in the women’s high jump in Paris. The automatic qualification standard is set at a height of 1.97m, to be achieved between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Alternatively, athletes can qualify through rankings, accumulating a certain number of points.

Presently, only ten athletes have met the entry standard of 1.97m.

Participation in recognized competitions enhances athletes’ chances of meeting qualification criteria or improving their rankings. Yeboah’s presence at the African Games in Accra was crucial for this reason. Although she achieved a height of 1.90m, securing a gold medal, it fell short of the automatic entry requirement.

Given her performance, it is highly unlikely that Yeboah will fail to qualify for Paris 2024 with her current total of 1189 points. The limited number of international championships available to other athletes makes it improbable for Yeboah to be displaced from the top 32 qualifiers.

Yeboah’s upcoming competitions include the African Championships in Cameroon in June, where she could accumulate additional points. Additionally, she is expected to participate in the NCAA outdoor season, offering further opportunities to bolster her ranking.

Considering these factors, Yeboah is anticipated to be among the top 32 qualifiers worldwide by June 30, securing her place in the Olympic Games.

Furthermore, her ranking surged significantly, elevating her from 26th to 18th position.