As the Winter Olympics take center stage in Milano Cortina, one notable athlete is cheering from the sidelines with a message of resilience.
Akwasi Frimpong, the trailblazing skeleton racer who carried Ghana’s flag at the Pyeongchang 2018 Games, will not be competing this year, but his spirit remains firmly with the event and its athletes.
Frimpong’s journey to qualify for a second Olympics fell short this season, despite a full and determined effort.
In a statement, he reflected on the unpredictable nature of elite sport. “The journey to the Winter Olympic Games is the journey, and no one can predict the outcome,” he said.
He expressed pride in his performance, stating he did his absolute best. “I gave everything this season to qualify for a second Olympics, but unfortunately I didn’t earn the points I needed,” Frimpong explained. He noted that while he slid well, the final results were not in his favor a reminder that in a highly competitive field, even small factors can impact an Olympic dream.
His focus, however, remains on gratitude and the broader impact of his career. Frimpong extended heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that supported his four-year quest. He specially recognized his family, coaches Dirk Matschenz, Zach Lund, and Brian MacDonald, his sponsors, the Ghana Olympic Team, and the global sliding community.
He highlighted the guidance of his coaches, who consistently reminded him that his influence “goes far beyond results.” Frimpong stated, “I am proud of what we built together. We did so much beyond the ice and inspired people around the world.”
True to his mission of promoting African participation in winter sports, Frimpong voiced strong support for the athletes who did qualify, particularly noting Nicole Burger and Team South Africa. “I’ll be cheering loudly, because my mission has always been to see Africa at the heart of this sport,” he said.
He offered congratulations to all Olympians in Milano Cortina, acknowledging the immense dedication required to reach the Games.
To fellow athletes who also fell short of qualifying, he sent a powerful message: “I see your hard work and heart keep going, your effort matters and your moment will come.”
Looking forward, Frimpong emphasized the legacy he hopes to build. “The legacy I want to leave for my girls and the next generation is simple: endurance, resilience, and the habit of never giving up,” he shared.
“Sometimes who you become while chasing a dream is more important than the result.”
He confirmed his continued commitment to inspire others through his platform and his Hope Of A Billion Foundation. While not on the ice in Italy, Akwasi Frimpong’s voice rings with the same perseverance and love for the sport that has made him an inspiration to many across Ghana and the African continent.