Story by Michael Okuley
Ahead of Saturday’s event, Ghanaian sprinter Abdul Rasheed Saminu has been earmarked for a big show in the 100m race. Ghana’s rising sprint star, Abdul Saminu, is being hailed as the country’s brightest hope for Olympic glory ahead of the Paris 2024 Games.
With a string of remarkable performances over the past year, the 26-year-old has captured the attention of athletics enthusiasts, sparking hopes that he could bring home Ghana’s first-ever Olympic gold in track and field.
Abdul Saminu will be on the track at the Stade France Stadium for Ghana, aiming to qualify for the finals. With Ghana’s performance in the two previous events, the 26-year-old hopes to make amends. Saminu, qualified through the entry standard, and his coach, Abigi Id-Deen, expects Abdul Saminu to at least make the finals.
“Rashid steps up anytime he gets the opportunity, and if he continues to do that, I think the sky is the limit. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do. He has proven it by running personal best every time and I am excited to see him doing the same thing here.”
“I think the reality of the 100m at the Olympics is that everyone is good. Is about how you take care of your lane and forget about others’ lane. Focus on what you need to do. I believe that he has the opportunity to make it to the finals.”
Abdul Saminu goes into the race with a Personal and Seasonal best of 9.95 clocked at the University of South Florida Track & Field Stadium, Tampa, FL (USA).
Meanwhile, Benjamin Azamati will also be competing in the other race of the 100m, which begins on Saturday at the Stade France.
Ghana has endured a torrid time at the Olympics following the inability of Harry Stacey and Rose Yeboah to qualify for the next stage of their various competitions.