Ghanaian athlete Alex Amankwah has said that he is proud of his local achievement despite failing to progress to the semi-final of the 800 meters race in the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo on September 16, 2025.
Amankwah clocked 1:45.08 seconds in Heat 7, which placed him in eighth position, derailing his ambition of advancing to the semi-final.
The race was won by former world champion Donavan Brazier of the United States of America in 1:44.66, followed closely by Slimane Moula of Algeria (1:44.77) and Croatia’s Marino Bloudek (1:44.78).
Speaking to the media after the race, Amankwaa noted that he is proud of his feat as Ghana’s fastest middle-distance runner in history.
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He stated that he aims to work harder to chalk up more successes at the international stage in future athletics meets to better his record.
“I wouldn’t say I’m cocky, but I’m the best middle-distance runner in Ghana’s history. That’s a lot of hard work from me, even though I may not have accomplished much here.
“There’s still a lot of things that nobody in the country has ever done, and it’s something I’m proud of. But it doesn’t mean I’m excelling just for Ghana; I want to be the best in the world. It pushes me and also lets me know that I’m doing great things,” he said.
Watch the interview below:
I’m the best middle distance runner in Ghana’s history, even if I haven’t accomplished much here [in Tokyo] – Alex Amankwah after missing out on a semifinal spot in the 800m#WCHTokyo25 | @PeevaBeverages | @StanbicBankGH | @betway_gh pic.twitter.com/786aNAdg6y
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 16, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians debate the performance of Black Stars coach Otto Addo