Ghana’s track and field history is rich with incredible feats, but few achievements stand out as much as running a sub-10-second 100m. To date, only four Ghanaians have managed to accomplish this remarkable feat: Leo Myles Mills (9.98s), Aziz Zakari (9.99s), Joseph Paul Amoah (9.94s), and Benjamin Azamati (9.90s). These athletes have not only set national records but have also become icons in the world of athletics. Let’s delve into the stories of these extraordinary sprinters and their impact on Ghanaian sports.
The Trailblazers: Leo Myles Mills and Aziz Zakari
In the early 2000s, Ghana saw the rise of two athletes who would go on to become the country’s first sub-10-second sprinters. Leo Myles Mills was the first to achieve this milestone with a time of 9.98 seconds, followed closely by Aziz Zakari at 9.99 seconds. These times were groundbreaking, putting Ghana on the map in the world of sprinting.
Zakari, in particular, became a household name as he represented Ghana in multiple international competitions. Between 2000 and 2004, he made it to three major finals: two at the Olympic Games and one at the 2001 World Championships. However, his Olympic campaigns were marred by injuries, with Zakari pulling his hamstring in both finals—a moment that left Ghanaians heartbroken yet proud of his resilience.
Zakari remains the only Ghanaian to have competed in an Olympic 100m final in this century, making his achievements even more significant. He continued to represent Ghana in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, though he didn’t advance to the final. By the time the 2012 London Olympics came around, Ghana struggled to even present a sprinter for the 100m or 200m events, highlighting the challenges facing the country’s athletics program.
A New Era: The Rise of Azamati and Amoah
After a period of stagnation, Ghanaian athletics began to see a resurgence with the emergence of two new stars: Benjamin Azamati and Joseph Paul Amoah. Their arrival marked a turning point, reigniting hope and excitement in Ghana’s sprinting prospects.
Azamati, who currently holds the national record with a blistering time of 9.90 seconds, has become a symbol of Ghana’s athletic potential. While he has yet to claim an individual medal, his performances at major international competitions, including back-to-back Olympics, have been commendable. Azamati’s success has sparked renewed interest in Ghanaian track and field, with many eagerly watching his career progress.
Joseph Paul Amoah has also made significant strides, literally and figuratively, in Ghanaian athletics. He won a gold medal in the 200m at the African Games and became the first Ghanaian to win a Commonwealth Games track medal since the 1970s. Amoah’s contributions extend beyond individual success; he has been instrumental in Ghana’s relay teams, helping secure gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2019 African Games.
Ghana’s Relay Success and Near Misses
The last five years have seen a resurgence in Ghanaian athletics, particularly in relay events. The 2019 African Games saw Ghana clinch gold in the 4x100m relay, with a team that included Azamati, Amoah, Martin Owusu Antwi, and Sean Safo Antwi. This victory marked a significant achievement for Ghana and signaled a new era of success on the track.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Ghana was on the verge of winning a relay medal, only for administrative errors to cost the team dearly. Despite these setbacks, the determination and talent of Ghana’s sprinters continue to shine through.
The Future of Ghanaian Sprinting
As Ghana looks to the future, the achievements of Azamati, Amoah, and their predecessors serve as a reminder of the country’s potential in track and field. These athletes have overcome numerous obstacles to achieve greatness, and their times rank them among the best sprinters Ghana has ever produced.
While criticism of the athletics infrastructure and support systems in Ghana is valid, it’s important to recognize the incredible efforts of these athletes. They have inspired a new generation of sprinters who could very well bring home the Olympic medals Ghana has long awaited.
Conclusion
Ghana’s sprinting legacy is marked by the extraordinary achievements of Leo Myles Mills, Aziz Zakari, Benjamin Azamati, and Joseph Paul Amoah. These four sprinters have not only made history by breaking the 10-second barrier but have also paved the way for future generations. As the country continues to develop its athletics program, the success of these athletes will remain a source of national pride and inspiration.
