Ghana can win laurels in long distance races - Athletics coach

Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - Albert Nukpezah, head coach of the National Athletics team believes Ghana was capable of winning medals in the long distance races at international events if the athletes were given the right atmosphere for preparations.

Speaking to the GNA Sports, the coach said the nation has all the talents to excel in the long distances but regretted that the athletes were not given the right training atmosphere and encouragement to enable them prepare adequately to meet the international standards.

Ghana did not participate in the long distance races at the just ended All Africa Games (AAG) in Maputo, Mozambique, because athletes were not selected for the long distance events.

According to the coach, Ghana was capable of matching the Kenyans and the Ethiopians as well as other countries noted to be experts in the long distance races, if athletes are camped in the mountainous areas of the country for a longer period.

Nukpezah said the difference between the time made by local athletes i= n the marathons and other competitions and the time required for participatio= n in international competitions was insignificant, adding that with a little effort by the athletes, they could make the time and compete in international events.

"If our athletes could be camped in areas such as Aburi, Kwahu, and other areas with high altitudes such as the Afadjato mountains, where the oxygen intake is less, there is no doubt that, they will come better prepared for the international stage".

"Kennedy Osei, the former national 800 meter champion was able to compete on the international stage and won many laurels because he camped around the Kwahu mountains and made an extensive use of the atmosphere ther= e for his preparations".

Nukpezah suggested that resources and funding should be made timely available to enable coaches identify talents in the long distances, groom them and camp the selected athletes on the mountains for at least three months ahead of major events. According to the coach, the nation stands to increase its medal haul a= t international events in the long distances with the necessary preparations and support.