Abuja 2003: Ghana Grabs 2 More Golds

Gaisah breaks record twice; Simpson wins too
Abuja, Nigeria, Oct 14, GNA - Ghana sparkled at in athletics at the Eighth All Africa Games in Abuja on Tuesday evening when she won two gold medals.

The brightest spot of the Ghanaian success was the double record breaking feat achieved by Ignatius Gaisah in the men's long jump event. Gaisah leapt 8.28 metres to break the 12 years old record set by Paul Emordi of Nigeria in 1991 on his third effort only to shatter his new record on his fifth attempt by two centimetres, leaping an incredible 8.30 metres.

Ghana's second gold medal came through Margaret Simpson, who won five of the seven events constituting the women's heptathlon to clinch the gold.

Justine Gall Robberson of South Africa and Nigerian, Oluchi Eleche followed her in the second and third places, respectively.

Ghana also recorded success in the men's 200 metres where Christian Nsiah and Azi Zakari are through to the finals, which would be determined on Wednesday.

Nsiah placed second in his semi final race that was won by Senegalese, Loum Oumar.

Frankie Fredericks, the 36 years old Namibian Sprinter won his race and was followed by Uchena Emedolu of Nigeria and Zakari came third, but qualified for the finals as one of the best third placers.

Also through to the finals of their events are Vida Anim and Akosua Serwah.

Anim won her semi-final race from a field of eight, which included Chief Mary Onyali-Omagbemi of Nigeria, the gold medallist in the women's 100 metres race.

Serwah ran well to place second to Nigerian Ebor Grace who beat her at the tape.