Ghana’s budding long distance runner William Awunime Akuka has his sights set on the World Student Games in Kazan Russia in July.
Ghanaian distance runner William Awunime Akuka reckons he can make an impact at the World University Games (FISU) in Kazan Russia in July.
All he asks for is support from the Ghana university authorities so he can prepare well for FISU Games.
In his international debut Akuka clinched a silver medal in 5000m at the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Games in Windhoek Namibia last month.
“We did not have a good preparation for the FASU Games. I was writing exams until two days before we flew to Windhoek for the Games,” Akuka revealed.
Despite his limited training, Akuka clinched a silver medal in the 5000m behind Ugandan Benjamin Njia. Less than two hours later Akuka was back on the track where he went on to claim the bronze medal in 1500m behind Namibian Daniel Nghipandula and Ngouari Mouissi (Congo Brazzaville).
“My times in each event were not great. I know I can run much faster than this,” Akuka admits. He clocked 16:05.76 (5000m) and 4:09.94 (1500m).
“What is important is that I made a statement. We just need support back home in Ghana so that eventually we can match our East African brothers who are world famous,” says the second year political science student at the University of Ghana in Legon Accra.
“My hope is that my silver medal will convince our university authorities that I have potential. If they select me for World Student Games in Kazan (Russia), I will train much harder and run faster times there,” Akuka assures.
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