Paris 2024: Team Ghana poised for Olympic glory

As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ghana's track stars brim with confidence, determined to shine on the world stage.

Despite sending a modest squad of eight athletes, Team Ghana is poised to make a significant impact, competing in the men’s 100 metres, men’s 4x100m relay, and the women’s high jump.

Team Ghana's captain, Joseph Paul Amoah, is brimming with optimism. With the men’s 4x100m relay being their strongest event, Amoah is optimistic about their chances, bolstered by their impressive season performances and valuable experience.

The relay team, consisting of Amoah, Benjamin Azamati, Isaac Botsio and Fuseini Ibrahim, promises excitement. Azamati and Amoah, both seasoned Olympians, will be joined by debutant Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, creating a formidable sprint relay team.

In a historic first, Ghana will have a female high jumper, Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, competing in the field events.

Beyond athletics, Ghana will make its second appearance in swimming with Joselle Mensah and Harry Stacey, both earning wild cards to represent the nation.

After wrapping up their week-long training camp in the French city of Strasbourg last Saturday, the Team Ghana captain told Graphic Sports that the mood was buoyant as they moved to the Olympic Village in Paris, ready for the competition to kick off on Thursday, July 25.

Amoah believes the high morale and camaraderie from the training camp will fuel their performances. 

Ghana 4x100m relay team 

"We're all set to do our part. Hopefully, our best will be good enough to bring home a medal," he said.

"I think the athletes want the best for themselves more than even what our supporters actually want for us. At times, you've got to be realistic. We're just praying that everyone stays healthy as we are right now. And then when it's time to compete, we'll go out there and give our best," he said.

Amoah, heading into his second Olympics after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Games, is encouraged by the relaxed demeanour of the debutants. 

"I'm proud of them and happy that they don't seem nervous. They have a positive mentality towards the Olympics, which reminds me of myself," he said.

"There's a lot of positive energy here. We couldn't have asked for anything better. We're all ready to do our part. Hopefully, our best will be good enough to get us a medal," he added.

Sprinter Benjamin Azamati, also competing in his second Olympics, will take part in both the 100 metres and the 4x100m relay, alongside debutant Abdul-Rasheed Saminu. The US-based duo will join Amoah, Isaac Botsio, and Fuseini Ibrahim in the sprint relay.

Amoah remains confident in the team’s potential but warns against complacency. 

"Being ranked among the top five in the world is promising. It means on paper we should be in the finals, but we must not assume that. We need to compete at the highest level to make the final, and then focus on winning medals," he stated.

"Considering the times that countries have run from January up to this point. So, being ranked among the top five in the world speaks volumes about our potential.

It means on paper, we're supposed to be in the finals, but we're not going to be complacent and think we're automatically in the final.

We have to actually go out there and compete at the highest level and then try to make the final. That would be the first step, make it to the final and then when we get to the finals, we start talking about medals.

He emphasised the importance of efficient stick passes in the relay, stating, "Relay is not just about speed; it's about how efficient your passes are."

Team Ghana is set to showcase their talents and make a significant impact in Paris, with high hopes and a united spirit driving them forward.

Source : Graphic Online