Racing Through History: Abdul-Rasheed Saminu’s New 100m Benchmark for Ghana
- From Kukuo to South Florida, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu is now a defining figure in Ghana's track and field history
- The 27-year-old speed merchant's remarkable journey has propelled him into the ranks of Africa’s finest sprinters
- YEN.com.gh looks athe story of Saminu, whose relentless pursuit is placing Ghana firmly on the world athletics map
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu has transformed from a name on the start list to become a symbol of Ghana’s sprinting resurgence.
His recent feat over 100 metres was more than a race won in 9.84 seconds; it was a powerful statement about his intentions.
Source: Instagram
Saminu beat his rivals, including a silver medalist in 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the moment was something far deeper.
The 27-year-old rewrote history, silenced doubters, and reminded a continent of its limitless potential on the track, as noted by Track Gazette.
Ghana's sprinting evolution: Karikari to Saminu
For decades, Ghanaian athletics have hinted at greatness on the track without fully grasping the ring.
In the 1960s and 70s, icons like Ohene Karikari and George Kofi Daniels gave fans a reason to believe.
Later, Aziz Zakari emerged, pushing boundaries and rubbing shoulders with global sprinting legends like Maurice Greene and Justin Gatlin. But somehow, that early fire never caught full flame.
However, Saminu’s meteoric rise has changed that narrative. His electric form marks a turning point, not just for his career, but for a country yearning to reclaim its place on the world stage.
Comparing Africa’s legends to Abdul-Rasheed Saminu
To fully appreciate Saminu’s impact, it has to be viewed in a broader African context.
While sprinting powerhouses like the US and Jamaica often dominate headlines, Africa has had its own share of speed merchants.
South Africa’s Akani Simbine has regularly teased with sub-10 brilliance.
Nigeria’s Olusoji Fasuba once held the African record at 9.85 seconds.
Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks, with his Olympic exploits, captured global admiration.
But now, a new name is rising; not from a famous academy, but from Kukuo, a modest village in Ghana’s Northern Region.
What sets Abdul-Rasheed Saminu apart?
When you watch Saminu tear down the track, you see more than technique; you see a story.
Behind that explosive start and silky stride is a man who once worked as a driver’s mate and pushed trucks for a living in Ashaiman.
He didn’t come through the polished pipelines of elite sports; he clawed his way up from the bottom.
His inspirational story has been shared on X:
A product of Al Azhariya Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi, Saminu carries his past like a badge of honour. It fuels him. It grounds him. And now, it propels him.
While many fizzle after promising collegiate careers, he’s only getting started.
Saminu among the best in the world
This 100-metre milestone isn’t the finish. It’s a beginning. It’s the dawn of a fresh chapter in Ghana’s athletics story; one no longer built on speculation, but achievement.
With this new national best, Saminu erased his previous record of 9.86 seconds, having shattered Benjamin Azamati’s record in May, underlining his position as the fastest Ghanaian in history.
The 27-year-old now stands as the joint third-quickest man in the world this year. He is just behind Jamaica’s duo of Oblique Seville (9.83s) and Kishane Thompson (9.75s).
Source: Instagram
The road to Tokyo championships for Saminu
Saminu’s eyes are already fixed on the next big challenge, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
After reaching the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he’ll be keen to go further and possibly land on the podium.
Ghana athletics celebrates Saminu’s world-class sprint
Ghana Athletics Federation officials have hailed Saminu’s recent performances as a major breakthrough for the country.
They noted that his times are not only national records but also world-class results that place Ghana firmly in medal discussions ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.
Local sports analysts believe his success will inspire upcoming sprinters to believe in their dreams.
Many fans online praised him for bringing hope to Ghanaian athletics, describing his achievements as proof that hard work and self-belief can take anyone from humble beginnings to global greatness.
Saminu chalks up academic success in US
YEN.com.gh also previously reported on Abdul-Rasheed Saminu’s academic success in the United States.
The Ghanaian sprinter graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in from the University of South Florida.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
