Ghanaian sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu has been named Male Athlete of the Year at the 2025 Stampede of Champions, cementing his status as one of collegiate athletics’ most formidable talents.
The University of South Florida standout received the accolade following a season of record-breaking performances in both indoor and outdoor track events, solidifying his dominance in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).
Saminu’s award-winning campaign included a wind-assisted 9.87-second finish in the 100-meter dash, the fastest NCAA time this season, though not eligible for official records due to wind conditions. His personal best of 10.02 seconds in the event positions him on the cusp of breaking the 10-second barrier, a milestone rarely achieved in collegiate track. The sprinter also holds a program record of 20.12 seconds in the 200-meter dash and was recently named a First Team All-American for his 60-meter indoor performances.
These achievements secured Saminu a spot on Ghana’s team for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to become the latest African athlete to shine on track’s global stage. His qualification, backed by last year’s Top Individual Performance award at the Stampede of Champions, has heightened expectations for a strong Olympic showing.
The recognition underscores Ghana’s growing influence in international athletics, particularly in sprinting, where Saminu follows in the footsteps of compatriots like Benjamin Azamati. His success at the collegiate level also highlights the NCAA’s role as a pipeline for Olympic talent, with athletes increasingly balancing academic and elite competitive commitments.
Saminu’s rise coincides with renewed investment in Ghana’s sports infrastructure, though his training at a U.S. institution reflects the globalized nature of modern track and field. As he prepares for Paris, observers note that his performances could inspire further Ghanaian participation in sprint disciplines, potentially reshaping the country’s athletic priorities. With the Olympics approaching, Saminu’s ability to translate collegiate success to international competition will test both his preparation and Ghana’s capacity to nurture world-class talent.
