Stories and facts
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, born on October 6, 2001, is a talented sprinter from Ghana. Saminu hails from the village of Nanumba, where he initially showcased his talent as a keen football player.
His athletic potential was later steered towards track and field, setting the stage for a remarkable career in sprinting. Saminu's academic and athletic journey took him to the United States, where he attended Florida Memorial University and the University of South Florida (USF), recruited by USF head coach Erik Jenkins.
In April 2024, Saminu made headlines by running a wind-aided 100 meters in 9.95 seconds at the South Florida Invitational.
This impressive performance foreshadowed his success at the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championships in May 2024, held in San Antonio, United States.
There, he clinched gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100 meters relay. His victories included a personal best time of 10.03 seconds in the 100 meters and a time of 20.34 seconds in the 200 meters.
Saminu continued to excel, recording a time of 10.02 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. On the same day, he achieved a personal best of 20.12 seconds in the 200 meters.
His stellar performances culminated later that month at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, where he contributed to Ghana's gold medal victory in the 4x100 meters relay.
Representing Ghana at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Saminu competed in the Men's 100 meters. Despite his strong efforts, he did not advance to the finals, finishing seventh in his semi-final heat with a time of 10.05 seconds, slightly improving from his qualifying time of 10.06 seconds.
His compatriot, Benjamin Azamati, the national record holder, also fell short, clocking 10.17 seconds in the semi-finals.
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu's journey from Nanumba village to the Olympic tracks exemplifies his dedication and talent. While his debut Olympic performance did not secure a place in the finals, his achievements in collegiate and African competitions highlight a promising career ahead.
Saminu's story continues to inspire many young athletes in Ghana and beyond, showcasing the potential of hard work and perseverance.
Explore the life of Abdul-Rasheed Saminu below.
