Paris 2024 Olympics: Ghana’s 4x100m relay team misses out on final slot amid baton changeover challenges

Team Ghana has failed to qualify for the next round of the men’s 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics after finishing 6th at the Stade de France. 

The quartet of Azamati Benjamin, Saminu Abdul Rasheed, Joseph Paul Amoah and Fuseini Ibrahim finished 6th in heat 2 within a time of 38.62 seconds. 

China finished tops in a time of 38.24 seconds followed by France with 38.34 seconds and Canada in third place within 38.39 seconds.

This placed them behind the top finishers, preventing them from advancing to the final.

The race was marked by a series of unfortunate events for the Ghanaian team, including slow baton changeovers and stumbling runs which hampered their performance, contributing to their sixth-place finish in Heat 2. 

Despite their best efforts, these missteps proved costly in the highly competitive field.

Saminu Abdul Rasheed, who ran the first leg, managed a strong start, but the baton exchanges between the runners were not as smooth as needed for a top finish.

These critical moments during the changeovers lost the team precious seconds that are crucial in such a fast-paced event.

Fuseini Ibrahim and Joseph Paul Amoah, who ran the third and anchor legs, respectively, did their utmost to make up for lost time.

However, the initial setbacks were too significant to overcome. The team crossed the finish line with a sense of disappointment but also determination to learn and improve for future competitions.

The Ghanaian relay team’s performance at Paris 2024 will undoubtedly be a learning experience. Although they did not make it to the final, their efforts and dedication to representing their country on an international stage remain commendable.