by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International
Ghanaian long-distance sensation William Amponsah has once again made headlines by smashing his own national record in the Men’s 10,000m event at the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational in California, USA.
Just three weeks after setting a remarkable national mark (29:50.99) at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, Amponsah showcased his exceptional talent on the international stage. In an awe-inspiring display of speed and endurance, he clocked an astonishing 28:00.09 in Heat 1 at the Cougar Athletic Stadium, surpassing his previous record by a remarkable 1:50.90.
Representing West Texas A&M University, the 24-year-old also seized the university’s new school record in the 10,000m event. This achievement eclipsed the previous record set by teammate Harry Louradour, who had clocked 28:37.09 just an hour before Amponsah’s race, breaking Owen Hind’s record (29:27.04) held since 2017.
Despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish in Heat 1, Amponsah’s performance stood as a testament to his relentless dedication and undeniable talent. The top three positions in the heat were claimed by Alex Phillip (27:51.26), Ernest Cheruiyot (27:52.13), and Charles Philibert-Thiboutot (27:54.66) in first, second, and third place, respectively.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
In a commendable gesture, the Zambian Army has announced the promotion of four female footballers, including Copper Queens captain Barbara Banda, in recognition of their pivotal roles in securing Zambia’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Banda, who exhibited remarkable leadership and prowess on the field, was instrumental in Zambia’s victory over Morocco, scoring twice to secure a 2-0 win and overturn a first-leg deficit. As a result of her outstanding performance, she has been promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant by the Zambian Army.
Joining Banda in receiving this honor is goalkeeper Ngambo Musole, whose impressive saves played a crucial part in Zambia’s success. Additionally, Racheal Nachula and Anita Mulenga, two other key players in the team’s journey to qualification, have also been promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
The Copper Queens, buoyed by their qualification, are set to make their second consecutive appearance at the Olympics in Paris 2024. This recognition from the Zambian Army not only highlights the individual achievements of these talented athletes but also underscores the nation’s pride and support for women’s football.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Mohammed Polo has offered his critique of Black Stars coach Otto Addo, likening him to a “latter-day saint” and suggesting that Ghana could have considered a coach from the pool of retired players who contributed to the nation’s four Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.
Otto Addo recently returned to the coaching role, marking a significant move after previously steering Ghana to qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite this, Polo expressed disappointment over the decision, particularly citing Ghana’s recent struggles, including an early exit from the AFCON group stage in Ivory Coast.
In an interview with Citi FM, Polo conveyed his sentiments, stating, “I think the man himself who has been brought in is a latter-day saint. I feel sad but it’s an opportunity.” He also praised former coach Kwesi Appiah, suggesting that he remains one of the best coaches Ghana has had in recent times.
Polo raised questions about the selection process, wondering whether there were other options within the system that could have been considered before appointing Addo. He emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the decision-making process, expressing concerns about the current state of affairs within Ghanaian football.
A respected figure in African football history, Polo’s career highlights include being a member of the 1978 African Cup of Nations-winning team. He was also recognized in the France Football Magazine African Footballer rankings, achieving the 4th position in 1977.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
University of South Florida sprinter Saminu Abdul Rasheed is setting his sights on Olympic qualification following a stellar performance that saw him achieve a season-leading time in Division I NCAA.
On April 5, 2024, Abdul Rasheed electrified the track at the South Florida Invitational in Tampa, clocking a program record of 9.95 seconds in the men’s 100m dash. Just forty-five minutes later, he blazed through the 200m in 20.34 seconds, securing the fifth-fastest time in Division I NCAA this season.
Having represented Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, Abdul Rasheed is now focused on the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Expressing his excitement, he stated, “It means a lot. It is going to be like a dream come true. I will be happy to represent my country. The village is looking up to me, and I am looking forward to it too.”
However, despite his impressive performance, Abdul Rasheed has not yet secured Olympic qualification due to the wind assistance he received (+3.6). The Olympic Games threshold for wind-assisted performances stands at +2.0.
Prior to the Olympics, Abdul Rasheed’s attention is directed towards the upcoming regular season meets, AAC Outdoor Championships, and NCAA Regionals. Confident in his team’s abilities, he emphasized their collective determination, stating, “There is no doubt that we have a good team coming on this season. So everybody is trying to get ready for our team. The boys are not playing (around) this season so…”
Abdul Rasheed’s journey epitomizes dedication and determination as he strives to make his Olympic dream a reality.
by Silas Boahene | Apr 15, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
In a significant departure from Olympic tradition, World Athletics announced on Wednesday (April 10) that gold medalists in track and field events at the upcoming Paris Olympics will receive a substantial prize of $50,000. This move marks a symbolic shift away from the amateur ethos that has characterized the Games for decades, particularly in one of its most prominent sports.
Under the plan, a total of $2.4 million will be allocated to reward the gold medalists across the 48 events in the track and field program. Relay teams will share the $50,000 prize among their members, while payments for silver and bronze medalists are slated to commence from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, emphasized that the decision aims to acknowledge the pivotal role athletes play in generating revenue for the Olympics. He stated, “It’s important to recognize that the revenue share we receive is largely due to the star power of our athletes.”
However, this move could potentially unsettle the established dynamics within the Olympic movement ahead of the Paris Games. Coe revealed that World Athletics informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of its intentions only shortly before the public announcement, suggesting a degree of unilateral action.
In response, the IOC reiterated that it is the prerogative of each sport’s governing body to determine the utilization of Olympic revenue. The IOC redistributes the bulk of its income to support athletes and sports organizations globally, emphasizing that the decision lies with individual federations and national committees.
The evolution of the Olympics from its amateur roots has been evident over the years, with many countries and sponsors providing financial incentives to medalists. Coe himself reflected on the transition, recalling his days as an athlete competing without financial support from the Games.
While track and field blazes a trail with its prize money initiative, the broader implications for other sports remain uncertain. Coe declined to speculate on whether similar changes could be expected across other Olympic disciplines.
Notably, the prize money offered by World Athletics for Olympic gold medalists still falls short of the rewards available at the organization’s own world championships. Additionally, athletes must clear standard anti-doping protocols before receiving their prize money at the Olympics, underscoring the commitment to fair competition.
