Stories and facts
Author: David Ayinaba Abayaa
Born in Ghana on February 11, 1986, Akwasi Frimpong is a talented athlete who has made a significant impact in the history of sports as a sprinter, bobsledder, and skeleton racer, with Dutch-Ghanaian roots.
Raised in Kumasi, Ghana, Frimpong spent his early years living in a modest one-room home with his grandmother, Minka, who cared for him and 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 was sparked at the age of 15 when a friend's medal inspired him. Under the guidance of former Olympian Sammy Monsels, his talent flourished, leading to his triumph as the Dutch Junior Champion in the 200-meter sprints. Nicknamed 'GoldenSprint,' Frimpong carried the dream of Olympic success.
However, a severe ankle injury threatened to derail his aspirations, while the challenges of his undocumented status added to his struggles. Through perseverance and with the help of a compassionate physiotherapist, Frimpong overcame the obstacles and eventually secured an athletic scholarship to Utah Valley University (UVU) in the United States.
At UVU, Frimpong showcased his talent on the track, contributing to record-breaking performances in various relay events. After graduating with honours 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 made history, becoming Ghana's first skeleton athlete and Africa's only male representative at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Although Frimpong finished last, his Olympic debut showed his strong will and his role in overcoming obstacles. This accomplishment was further highlighted on February 29, 2020, when Frimpong won an elite skeleton race in Park City, Utah, becoming the first African skeleton athlete to achieve such a milestone.
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 is supported by his wife, Erica Shields-Frimpong, a former student-athlete. Together, they have a child.
Explore the life of Akwasi Frimpong below.
