Martha Bissah dedicates gold medal to God, country, teammates

Ghana's Martha Bissah has dedicated her 800m Youth Olympic Gold medal victory at the Youth Olympics to God, country, teammates and coaches.

The 17 year old won the country's first ever Olympic Gold medalist at any level in any sport following her victory in the 800m final in China.

After her historic performance in Nanjing, Bissah and Team Ghana returned home to a hero's welcome last Saturday.

Team Ghana were met on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport by the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee Professor Francis Dodoo who officially welcomed them back home after the Youth Olympic Games in China.

Speaking to the media, Martha Bissah expressed her appreciation to her coaches, Prof. Francis Dodoo and the country for giving her the opportunity to compete on the world stage.

“I want to thank everybody for helping me to win including my coach and Prof. Francis Dodoo,” she said on arrival.

As part of her interview, Martha provided more insight into race tactics that she felt helped her win. She told the assembled media which included the state broadcaster GTV, Metro TV and Graphic Communications about race related tactical discussions she had with GAA President concerning how she should run the finals.

“As I was going to the competition, Prof (Prof Francis Dodoo) told me that I shouldn't go to the inner lane and that I should stay on the outside of the leaders from the beginning so I don't get boxed in, as I was in the Commonwealth Games and African Championships. I followed that instruction. Infact, that thing helped me very well.

 “When we were going, I realised that the German and Ethiopian were moving strongly and I realised I was falling into third place so I found the inner strength to sprint away with about 150m to end the race.  I was very happy at that moment when I won.”

Alongside her teammates, the eloquent 800m runner was given a rousing welcome by officials of the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Ghana Athletics Association, students from her former School, Aduman Senior High School, family members, fans and the media.

The arrival hall of the Kotoko International Airport was abuzz with many people hoping to catch a glimpse of the youngster who was visibly overwhelmed by the occasion.

Martha also urged more support for locally based athletes.

“There are many athletes out there so I will say if government can help the GAA (Ghana Athletics Association), then they can help produce more athletes and even do better than this,” she said adding that, “I will urge government to help more good junior athletes to get better.”

The former Aduman Senior High School scholar surprised many Ghanaians and pundits when she blitzed a quality field that included an Ethiopian, Kenyan, Russian, and a German to win gold in the 800m final in Nanjing on Saturday, 23 rd August.

Team Ghana participated in four sporting disciplines during the 11 day competition, including athletics, beach volleyball, weightlifting and swimming.

Martha is one of many young talents in the country who have benefited immensely from the Ghana Athletics Association's youth development programme which has already seen 15 local athletes take up student-academic scholarships in Universities in the USA, in the past couple of years.

Team Ghana participated in four sporting disciplines during the 11 day competition, including athletics, beach volleyball, weightlifting and swimming.

Ghana placed 49 th out of 80 nations on the overall medal standings, and 12 th in Athletics, where the other athlete Precious Attipoe placed 8 th in the boy's triple jump final.