The Ashanti Regional inter schools and colleges athletics competition ended a couple of days ago with long lasting memories.
There are many young athletes who left fond memories with athletics lovers in Kumasi. Perhaps what is left is how these talents could be nurtured to reach it’s fullest potential. Prempeh College and St. Louis SHS all managed to defend their trophies successfully proving too superior for their competitors.
Many highly talented athletes were discovered during the Super Zonals of the Ashanti Athletics competition. 3Sports take a look at five most highly rated athletes from the competition tipped for greater accomplishment in future.
Ernest Acheampong (Prempeh College)
Top on our bill is the highly rated Ernest Acheampong a.k.a The God of War from Prempeh College. Scouted as goalkeeper, Ernest took Suzo by storm proving that he is multi talented as he shrugged off competition to win gold in Javelin in the field events, gold in 100m, silver in 200m, bronze in 400m and anchored his team to win gold in the 4*200m competition. With 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze, the sky can only be his limit. Ernest emerged Best Athlete in the track events and Overall best athlete in the Boys category. His agility, strength and power makes him unique from other athletes. Hopefully Ghana gets to benefit from talent in the near future in global competitions.
Alimatu Iddrisu ( Aduman Senior High School)
Another highly talented athlete to watch out for is the long distance runner Alimatu Iddrisu of Aduman Senior High School. Like a dynamite in a small unfancied package, her diminutive figure could make anyone underestimate her potential. Alimatu was too good for her competitors as she braced all words to win gold in 800m, 1500m and 3000m to silence all doubters. She emerged Best Athlete in the Girl’s category. Her resilience and endurance are her assets. She has the heart of a horse for long distance races. Ghana has not been so fortunate in the long distance events, perhaps in Alimatu Iddrisu, Ghana can begin to dream again.
Fulera Sulemana of T. I. Amass,Ksi
Winning the Overall Best Athlete in the just ended Super Zonals competition is Fulera Sulemana of T. I. Amass, Ksi. Fulera Sulemana managed to run 55.50s to win the girl’s 400m final at the Ashanti Region Super Zonals.
Populary called Auntie Naa, Fulera Sulemana won gold in the girl’s 100m event to become the fastest lady at Suzo. Fulera embodies athleticism, pure agility and passion. She anchored her Team to win a medal in the 4*100m event and another in the 4*200m.
Perhaps in Fulera Sulemana, Ghana’s hopes of Olympic medals in the sprints is once again alive. Only time will tell
Janet Konadu Dapaah (St. Louis SHS)
For long, Ghana’s medal hopes in the field events remain elusive but Janet Konadu Dapaah of St Louis SHS, perhaps we can dream again. Janet broke the Girl’s Javelin event after jumping 2.76m. Janet Konadu Dapaah broke the old record which stood in the name of Victoria Adu Anabel of Aduman SHS set in 2019. Janet has perfected her trade and looks very professional. Her dedication and commitment makes her unique.
Janet Dapaah jumped 1.55m to place 2nd in the high jump event.
Hayford Addae (Konongo Odumase SHS)
Ghana’s para athletics can begin to hope again as Hayford Addae, a talented physically-challenged athlete from Konongo Odumasi SHS displayed exceptional abilities and talent to anchor his team to qualification in the sprint team events. Hayford embodies determination and resilience.
Competing with able athletes, Hayford Addae helped his School to qualify for the finals of the 4x100m and 4x200m. He won many hearts and showed that disability is not inability.
The future of athletics is pregnant and perhaps these amazing young athletes are knocking on doors of stardom in the not too distant future with the right guidance and development. Only time will tell.
BY: RAPHAEL SARKODIE
