Tokyo World Championships: Benjamin Azamati Fails to Qualify for 100m Semis, Tebogo Claims Victory
- Benjamin Azamati endured a setback at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Saturday, September 13
- The former national 100-metre record holder fell short of reaching the semi-finals in the sprint event
- His focus now shifts to the men’s 4x100m relay, where he hopes to play a key role in Ghana’s push for glory
Ghana’s Benjamin Azamati endured a difficult outing in the men’s 100 metres at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, falling short of a place in the semi-finals.
Running in Heat 5, the former 100m national record holder could not find his rhythm and crossed the line in sixth place with a time of 10.30 seconds.
Source: Getty Images
Azamati fails to qualify for 100m semis, Tebogo claims victory
It was a disappointing result for the sprinter, who had clocked a season’s best of 9.98s earlier this year.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo looked comfortable as he stormed to victory in 10.07s.
Canadian Olympic champion Andre De Grasse followed closely, finishing second in 10.16s, while America’s Courtney Lindsey sealed the third automatic qualification spot with 10.19s.
Rikkoi Braithwaite from the British Islands secured fourth, and Germany’s Lucas Ansah-Peprah — who has Ghanaian heritage — edged Azamati into sixth.
With only the top three athletes from each heat guaranteed progression, Azamati’s hopes of advancing quickly faded.
Watch the race:
Despite the setback, the Ghanaian sprinter, who once named Usain Bolt as his idol, will now turn his attention to the 4x100m relay, where he is expected to play a crucial role in helping the team chase a semi-final berth and possibly push for a medal.
While fans had hoped for a stronger showing in the individual event, reactions on social media reflected a mix of disappointment, sympathy, and criticism.
@sirluches admitted:
"He had a very difficult heat group."
@Samgolda wrote:
"Unlucky as always."
@enmensah2 was less forgiving:
"This guy is actually overrated... I dunno how he is hyped more than his other colleagues who are on form..."
@PerlooOP simply sighed:
"Hmmm."
@ReestonJnr added:
"It seems it’s over, Can they rest him and field another young chap for the 4X100? Sad to see his form drop but it’s life."
Reacting to his underwhelming display, Azamati confessed that he had no excuses for his performance.
Watch his interview:
For now, Azamati’s dream of making a statement on the global stage in the 100m has been delayed, but the relay presents one more chance to prove his worth in Tokyo.
While Azamati missed out, his compatriot Abdul-Rasheed Saminu punched his ticket into the semis with an impressive performance to finish second in Heat Seven.
Saminu faces stern test after semi-final qualification
Saminu's hopes of reaching the 100m final — and possibly clinching a medal — will be tested in a highly competitive semi-final.
According to Track Gazette, the Kukuo-born sprinter has been drawn in semi-final three, where he will line up against some of the world’s finest sprinters.
His opponents include Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, both tipped as strong favourites.
He will also face South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, who advanced with a blistering 9.87s, Nigeria’s Israel Okon, America’s Courtney Lindsey, Great Britain’s Romell Glave, and former Olympic champion Andre De Grasse.
Racing through history: Saminu's 100m story
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted the story of Saminu, whose unwavering determination is pushing Ghana onto the global athletics stage.
His incredible rise has cemented his place among Africa’s top sprinters.
Source: YEN.com.gh
