Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu have successfully qualified for the semifinals of the men’s 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks the first time both athletes have reached an Olympic semifinal.
Azamati, Ghana’s record holder in the event, finished second in Heat 1 with a time of 10.08 seconds, behind Jamaican Kishane Thompson. The heat was marked by controversy as Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu was disqualified for a false start.
Saminu secured his semifinal spot by finishing third in Heat 7, clocking 10.06 seconds. He finished behind Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi and reigning Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs.
The men’s 100m semifinals are scheduled for Sunday evening, where both Ghanaian sprinters will compete for a place in the final.
In contrast to the sprinters’ success, Ghana’s first-time Olympic high jumper, Rose Yeboah, saw her campaign come to an end in the women’s high jump competition on Friday. The 22-year-old two-time African champion successfully cleared 1.83m and 1.88m on her second and third attempts respectively but failed to clear 1.92m in three attempts.
Yeboah’s unsuccessful attempt at 1.92m, which is below her personal best of 1.97m, meant she did not progress to the final. Despite the disappointment, her Olympic debut represents a significant milestone in her career and for Ghanaian athletics.
