Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu have successfully advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 100m at the ongoing Paris Olympics.
Azamati, who holds the national record for Ghana in the 100m, secured second place in Heat 1 with a time of 10.08 seconds, finishing just behind Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. The heat was not without drama, as Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu was disqualified for a false start. Expressing his joy, Azamati said he was thrilled to do his best and make the nation proud.
Meanwhile, Saminu also made it through by finishing third in Heat 7 with a time of 10.06 seconds, trailing behind Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi and the reigning Olympic champion, Marcell Jacobs. After his heat, Saminu shared with the media that he felt nervous. “I was so nervous, I had to get some water and sip a little to calm my nerves,” he admitted.
This achievement marks the first time both Azamati and Saminu have reached the semifinals at the Olympics. The men’s 100m semifinals are scheduled for Sunday evening.
