Stories and facts
Joseph Paul Amoah, a Ghanaian sprinter born on January 12, 1997, has etched his name in the annals of track and field history with his prowess in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. His journey to athletic stardom is marked by notable achievements and remarkable performances on both national and international stages.
Amoah's athletic journey began at Prempeh College in Kumasi, Ghana, where his innate talent for running was discovered. Despite initially favoring football, he transitioned to athletics and quickly emerged as a promising sprinter. At the young age of 19, he caught the attention of the nation by clocking an impressive 10.08 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2016 Ghana's Fastest Human competition, signaling his potential as an Olympic hopeful.
After his high school tenure, Amoah initially diverted his focus away from athletics upon enrolling at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). However, the persuasive efforts of the head coach at KNUST, coupled with the support of his uncle, saw him rekindle his passion for running. Subsequently, he transferred to Coppin State University in Baltimore, USA, where he competed at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.
In 2019, Amoah made history by becoming the first Ghanaian athlete to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics, achieving this feat with an impressive 20.20 seconds in the 200-meter event. He continued to shatter records, surpassing the longstanding Ghanaian record in the 200 meters previously held by Emmanuel Tuffour. His remarkable performances culminated in qualification for both the 2019 World Athletics Championships and the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Amoah's journey reached new heights at the 2023 African Games, where he left an indelible mark on the track. Securing victory in the men's 200-meter final, he captured the gold medal with a stellar time of 20.70 seconds. His triumph not only reaffirmed his status as a leading sprinter but also underscored his ability to excel on the global stage.
With numerous accolades to his name and a reputation as one of Ghana's most promising athletes, Joseph Paul Amoah continues to inspire a new generation of sprinters.
Explore the life of Joseph Paul Amoah below.
