Stories and facts
Akwasi Frimpong, a versatile athlete born on February 11, 1986, in Ghana, has carved his name in the annals of sports history through his remarkable journey as a sprinter, bobsledder, and skeleton athlete of Dutch-Ghanaian descent.
Raised in Kumasi, Ghana, Frimpong's early years were marked by humble beginnings, residing in a small one-room home with his grandmother, Minka, who raised him alongside nine other grandchildren.
At the age of eight, Frimpong relocated to the Netherlands to join his mother, Esther Amoako, a gospel singer. However, his journey to legal residency in the Netherlands was arduous, spanning over a decade of challenges and uncertainties.
Despite facing the daunting reality of being an undocumented immigrant, Frimpong found solace and purpose in athletics.
Frimpong's passion for running ignited at the age of 15 when he was inspired by a friend's medal. Under the mentorship of former Olympian Sammy Monsels, Frimpong's talent blossomed, culminating in his crowning as the Dutch Junior Champion in the 200-meter sprints. Fondly dubbed 'GoldenSprint,' Frimpong harbored dreams of Olympic glory.
However, a severe ankle injury threatened to derail his aspirations, compounded by the hurdles of his undocumented status. Through perseverance and the support of a compassionate physiotherapist, Frimpong defied the odds, eventually earning an athletic scholarship to Utah Valley University (UVU) in the United States.
At UVU, Frimpong showcased his prowess on the track, contributing to record-breaking performances in various relay events. Graduating with honors in marketing and business management in 2013, Frimpong's athletic journey took a new trajectory as he transitioned to bobsledding.
Although his initial foray into bobsledding saw setbacks, Frimpong remained undeterred, earning opportunities to represent the Dutch team.
However, it was in skeleton racing that Frimpong etched his name in history, becoming Ghana's first skeleton athlete and Africa's sole male representative at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Despite finishing last, Frimpong's Olympic debut symbolized a triumph of resilience and representation. This milestone was further cemented on February 29, 2020, when Frimpong clinched victory in an elite skeleton race in Park City, Utah, becoming the first African skeleton athlete to do so.
Frimpong's journey is chronicled in the documentary film, "The Rabbit Theory," which captures his unwavering determination and pursuit of Olympic excellence.
Off the track, Frimpong finds support and companionship in his wife, Erica Shields-Frimpong, a former student-athlete, with whom he shares a child.
Explore the life of Akwasi Frimpong below.
