Ghanaian sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu has indeed started the 2026 season with a bang, “blasting” to a new personal best and national record in the 60m dash at the Jarvis Scott Invitational Championship in Lubbock, Texas!
Here are the details:
– The Race and Time: Saminu clocked an impressive 6.54 seconds in the men’s 60 meters at the Jarvis Scott Invitational on February 15, 2026. This performance was described as “blistering” and “razor-sharp.”
– Significance:
– Personal and Season Best: This time is not only a season’s best but also a new lifetime personal best for the 28-year-old Olympian.
– World Athletics Indoor Championships Qualification: The 6.54-second run comfortably meets the qualifying standard for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships, which will be held in Pomerze, Poland.
– Professional Debut: Saminu, who recently turned professional and signed with ASICS, showed he’s ready to take his talent to the global stage.
– A Strong Ghanaian Showing: Saminu’s performance was the highlight of a strong overall showing by the Ghanaian contingent at the invitational.
– James Dadzie continued his indoor progression with a solid 6.62 seconds in the men’s 60m.
– On the women’s side, Anita Afrifa posted a competitive 7.43 seconds in the 60m.
– Doris Quainoo impressed in the women’s 60m hurdles with an 8.23 meters.
– William Opare demonstrated versatility, running 21.28 seconds in the 200m and 47.67 in the 400m.
– Benjamin Nsiah clocked a powerful 46.45 seconds in the men’s 400m.
– Middle-distance runners Mercy Angaamchaab (800m) and Vanee Anchike (mile race) also posted competitive times, along with long-distance runner William Amponsah (5000m).
– Deborah Acheampong, Asana Hamish, and Sandra Appiah gained valuable race sharpness in the women’s 200m and 400m events.
Saminu’s explosive start to the indoor season has ignited excitement for Ghana’s prospects in international athletics.
