Swimming: Jackson targets global success after SWAG triumph
Ghana’s undisputed swimming sensation, Abeku Jackson, has once again cemented his place as the nation’s aquatic trailblazer.
The 24-year-old was honoured with the Swimmer of the Year Award at the prestigious Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards last Friday, held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Reflecting on his latest accolade, Jackson, a seasoned recipient of the honour, expressed heartfelt gratitude. "I am surprised every time I win this award," he told Graphic Sports, clutching the gleaming SWAG plaque. "I put in a lot of work and effort, but each award still feels special. I’m always grateful and happy.”
Jackson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of remarkable, beginning with a historic feat at the Accra 2023 African Games, where he won Ghana’s first-ever medal in swimming.
He clinched silver in the men’s 50m butterfly and followed it up with a bronze in the 100m butterfly, firmly placing Ghana on the continental swimming map.
His achievements didn’t stop there. In August, Jackson represented Ghana at the Paris Olympics, delivering commendable performances that solidified his status as a two-time Olympian.
October saw him excel at the Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Swimming Championships in Accra, before he wrapped up the year with standout performances at the 17th World Aquatics 50m Pool World Championships in Budapest and the 18th Salnikov Cup in St Petersburg, Russia.
Future aspirations
With 2025 already on the horizon, Jackson is setting his sights on bigger milestones, as he solidifies his legacy as Ghana’s finest in the pool.
“There’s the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July-August. My goal is to qualify and hopefully win a medal,” he revealed.
But his ambitions extend well beyond 2025. Ghana’s swimming star is also eyeing success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.
His preparation is methodical, as he explained: “It’s all about planning. I’m a two-time Olympian, so I know how to prepare. It’s not just a one-year project; it’s a four-year programme for events like the Commonwealth or Olympic Games. My focus is to give my best and lift Ghana’s flag higher.”