Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati forced to miss 2023 World Athletics Championships

Ghana sprinter Benjamin Azamati has pulled out of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary due to a groin injury.

With less than two weeks until the start of the championship, the national 100m record holder has confirmed he will not be fit in time to compete in the renowned competition.

The 25-year-old has demonstrated in recent years by notable accomplishments that he is one of Ghana and Africa’s greatest athletes. He broke a national record that had stood for 22 years and has received recognition on other occasions.

Leo Myles Mills’ 9.98-second record was broken by him twice; the first time was with a time of 9.97, and the second time was in the Texas Relays with a time of 9.90.

Azamati who was set to represent Ghana in the 4x00m relays after failing to qualify for the individual 100m event will now be replaced by Edwin Gadayi.

“Due to a severe groin injury, I sustained during my outdoor season in Europe about a month and a half ago, I am forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Additionally, the stress of traveling between continents to obtain a working US visa in Barbados while competing at a high level exacerbated the injury.

“Unfortunately, the injury did not heal as anticipated and medical advice suggests I take time off running. While I would have loved to represent my country and compete on the world stage, my management team and I have unanimously decided against competing in the championship for fear of exacerbating the injury and jeopardizing my long-term potential,” parts of a statement from Azamati read.

The 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships will take place between August 19 and August 27.