THE SON FROM THE HILL OF KNOWLEDGE SHINES IN TEXAS
Azamati in the lead during the Lone Star Conference Meet in March 2020
Benjamin Azamati continues his impressive form and exploits at the West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), United States of America, clinching the Male Freshman of the Year and Male Student-Athlete of the Year Awards within four (4) months of joining them.
Benjamin Azamati, a former student of University of Ghana (UG) read Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, won gold medals in 100 meters both locally and internationally while representing the university and Ghana. These competitions include UG Inter-Hall Athletics, Mini GUSA (Cape Coast) and GUSA (Legon), All African University Olympics in Cairo (became the fastest University Athlete on the continent) African Games in Rabat (part of the Ghana 4x100 quartet team to break the 16 years wait) and the World Athletics Championship in Doha, Qatar. All these laurels he achieved within 13 months.
Mr. Azamati received a scholarship from WTAMU to continue his undergraduate studies. He left Ghana after the 2020 GUSA Games hosted by UG in January. He competed in two competitions within four months in the States and won gold in the Meet at Albuquerque setting a record of 6.68 seconds in the 60 meters event – a record which has stood for five (5) years and the first African to break it. Benjamin Azamati won another gold for WTAMU at the Lone Star Conference Meet in 60 meters with a time of 6.72 seconds.
Benjamin Azamati who had over 6,000 votes from his peers at WTAMU to win the awards spoke exclusively to UG Sports Directorate after the announcement of the results.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I really appreciate their support. These awards serve as a great boost and motivation for me as freshman. These awards bring hope and to spur me on to achieve greater laurels that lie ahead of me.”
He added that he received a warm reception when he arrived in his new environment which helped him settle quickly. His coaches and team mates who include former athletes of UG Abraham Seaneke and Desmond Aryee set the tone for a fine start for WTAMU.
His adaptation and continued growth are also due to the methods and structures at WTAMU. Azamati remarked that there are specialized persons and departments such as strength and conditioning coaches for gym work, sports medicine for treatment of injuries and ensuring good health and coaches on the track to support athletes. He believes this optimizes the growth and output of the athlete and to promote constant monitoring of athletes.
The WTAMU Male Student-Athlete of the Year strongly believes it is good never to doubt one’s ability and attaining your dreams. You only need to be dedicated, work hard and remain focused. His mantra; ‘Never Question Greatness’ has been and will always be his guide, he added.
Azamati hopes to work hard to qualify and represent Ghana at the next Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021.
Through patient investment, the Sports Directorate is proud to have nurtured a raw gem who is poised to represent and win laurels for Ghana.