Ghanaian middle-distance runner, Alex Amankwah remains confident about his chances of winning a medal despite struggling in his 800m race after arriving late and dealing with fitness concerns.

Speaking after the race, Amankwah admitted he was not at his best physically and felt the effects of a long journey ahead of the competition.

“I felt pretty flat. I think just getting here kind of late wasn't helpful,” he said.

The Ghanaian athlete revealed that a lengthy flight and a lingering back problem affected his performance during the race.

“I had a really long flight to get here and my back isn't really as healthy as I wanted it to be,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Amankwah insisted elite athletes must learn to compete even when conditions are not ideal.

“Part of running is showing up when you're not at 100% and that's what makes champions,” he noted.

The 800m runner narrowly missed out on an automatic qualification spot and now faces an anxious wait to discover whether his time will be enough to secure a place in the final.

“I never doubt myself on whether I could win a race or not>

“I train hard, I work really hard, and that's where my confidence comes from. If I'm on the line with anybody, I believe I can beat them," Amankwah stated confidently.

Amankwah added that if he gets another opportunity in the final, he will give everything possible to fight for a medal.

“If I get another opportunity, I’m going to go for it and give myself a shot. Hopefully everything connects and I can come out with a medal,” he said.

PAH/JE