Eric Nkansah to miss Olympic games

Eric Nkansah, German based Ghanaian sprinter, would not feature in this year's Sydney Olympics games as a result of an injury.

Disclosing this in Accra, Mr S. S Atuahene, head coach of the Ghana Amateur Athletics Association (GAAA), said a fax has been received from Nkansah's coach in Germany declaring that, the athlete cannot join the Ghanaian contingent. Mr Atuahene said even though Eric, one of the top athletes would not be able to make to the Olympiad, the nation has still got able bodied athletes who can bring honors to the nation. He said the current crop who were third in the African Athletic Championship held in Algiers and placed third with five gold, one silver and a bronze medal are still confident to make Ghana proud. He noted that, Ghana would participate in 100, 200, 400,800 and four by 400 meters as well as women's hurdle, long jump and men's triple jump. Mr Atuahene further said the contingent would camp in Amsterdam from August six to September 10 before moving move to Australia.

He said 27 athletes including Aziz Zakari, Leo Myles Mills, Mark Awere and Kenneth Andam all based in America would join their local counterparts Ebo Duah, Harry Adu Mfum, Albert Agyeman and Kennedy Osei.

The women contingent include Vida Nsiah, Vida Andam, both US based, Monica Twum, Veronica Bawuah, Helena Amoako, Mavis Akoto and Esther Dankwa, all locals. Mr. Atuahene said, Aziz Zakari who won gold in the 100 and 200 meters clocked the time of 10: 13 seconds and 2: 23 seconds respectively while Kenneth Andam clocked 10:37 seconds to win bronze.