Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics believes Ghana’s relay teams can dream of winning major international medals in the future, insisting success in athletics comes through gradual development and ambition at every stage of an athlete’s career.

The World Athletics president shared his thoughts while speaking to the media ahead of the start of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.

Coe arrived in Ghana on Saturday, May 9, 2026, ahead of the continental competition, which is set to bring together some of Africa’s top track and field athletes at the Legon Sports Stadium.

Speaking about athlete development and the pathway to global success, the former Olympic champion explained that every elite athlete begins from humble levels before eventually targeting medals on the world stage.

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“When an athlete starts out in their career, they may start competing for their school. Then they compete for their town or city, then for the region.
Then they hopefully compete as a junior for their country, and then they get into the national team. So it's always a step,” Coe said.

The World Athletics boss added that the ultimate ambition for athletes should be competing at the Olympic Games or World Championships and eventually fighting for medals.

“When you start dreaming as an athlete about where you might end up, the big dream is going to a World Championships or an Olympic Games. And if you get there and get to the first round, third round and the final, then the next ambition has to be to come home with a medal. And that’s what your coaches will be working towards,” he continued.

His comments come at a time Ghana’s relay teams are attracting growing attention following impressive performances by both senior and emerging young sprinters ahead of the championships in Accra.

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