Due to a groin injury, Ghana sprinter Benjamin Azamati has withdrawn from the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
With less than two weeks until the commencement of the championship, the national 100-meter record holder has stated that he will be unable to run in the prestigious event.
The 25-year-old has proven in recent years via remarkable achievements that he is one of Ghana’s and Africa’s top athletes. He broke a national record that had been held for 22 years and has garnered numerous honours.
He beat Leo Myles Mills’ 9.98-second mark twice, the first time with a time of 9.97 and the second time in the Texas Relays with a run of 9.90.
Edwin Gadayi will now replace Azamati, who was due to represent Ghana in the 4x00m relays after failing to qualify for the solo 100m event.
“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 World Athletics Championships will be held between August 19 and August 27.