Abuja 2003: Fredericks to quit after Abuja Games

Abuja, Nigeria, Oct. 15, GNA - Frankie Fredericks, the Namibian track and field legend has announced he will quit the sport, which has given him fame and glory after the Eighth All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria. He said he decided to run at the Abuja Games because of the love he has for Nigeria and his desire to run in the ultra modern National Stadium.

The Namibian, who got to the big stage in 1991 when he erased Chidi Imoh's African record in the 100 metres dash went ahead to establish himself as one of the hottest pair of legs in the 200 metres.

At the Abuja Games, Fredericks has qualified for the finals of the 200 metres final by winning his semi-final from a field which included Nigerian Uchenna Emedolu and Ghanaian Aziz Zakari, with a time of 20.33 seconds, the fastest so far in the event.

With Fredericks bringing his charisma to the athletics category of the Games, what remains on the lips of critics is the failure of Maria Mutola, the hottest African track and field personality to attend the competition. The track queen from Mozambique won the one million dollar prize in the Golden League and lovers of athletics had wished to see her compete here in Abuja.