Ghana’s star sprinter, Benjamin Azamati, has clinched a spot in the semifinals of the Men’s 100 Metres at the Paris Olympics. Azamati delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in Heat One with a time of 10.08 seconds, just behind Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who clocked 10.00 seconds.
Azamati’s remarkable finish not only secures his place in the semifinals but also marks an improvement over his season’s best of 10.05 seconds. This achievement demonstrates his rising form and potential to excel further in the competition.
Kishane Thompson, who is currently the fastest man in the world with a blistering time of 9.77 seconds earlier this year, led the race comfortably, finishing precisely at the 10-second mark. Cuba’s Reynaldo Espinosa took third place in the heat with a time of 10.11 seconds.
In a display of triumph, Azamati celebrated his qualification with a fist pump, a gesture that resonated with his supporters. The heat was not without controversy, as Great Britain’s Benjamin Azu was disqualified for a false start, adding drama to the race.
In the second heat, Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala emerged as the frontrunner, securing his place in the semifinals with a time of 10.08 seconds.
Benjamin Azamati now stands as a beacon of hope for Ghana, striving to bring home the nation’s first medal at this year’s Paris Olympics. Additionally, fellow Ghanaian sprinter Abdul Rasheed Saminu is set to compete in Heat 5 of the Men’s 100 Metres later on Saturday, August 3.
What is the record time for Benjamin Azamati?
In 2021, he set a new national record in the 100 meters with a time of 9.97 seconds at the Texas Relays, becoming the first Ghanaian to run sub-10 seconds on US soil. He also won the 100 meters at the African Championships in Lagos, Nigeria, with a time of 9.98 seconds.
Stay tuned to Xorlali.com for more updates on Ghana’s athletes at the Paris Olympics.