INTERVIEW: Q&A With US-based Ghanaian athletes Deborah Acquah, how she is preparing towards Olympic Games and 2023 All African Games
Ghana’s fastest growing Sports portal Ghsportsnews.com (GSN) had a one on one with Ghana’s record holder in women’s long jump Deborah Acquah (DA) in a long telephone interview.
Deborah, a student of Texas A & M University in the United States
Deborah spoke about her life in USA, her current form, her preparations towards the Olympic Games, and her view on Ghana Chance in the Tokyo Olympic Games, combining Athletics with education.
GSN: how are u been coping up in US with this covid-19
DA: I believe in myself that I haven’t lost a piece of myself even though the interruption of covid 19 feels like a roller coaster. It’s only kind of heart breaking to not know if the season is going to be a successful one without any disruption
GSN: 2021 GAA released calendar/ programs and it’s going to serves as qualifiers to this year’s Olympic games, how are you preparing towards the Olympic Games?
DA: I started training earlier, throughout the covid period. Our training facility have all the equipment that we need to be able to practice all the expected skills in my field. At this point there is no time for rest, because my body has to be entirely ready for any challenge. I’m not pushing myself to the extreme though because injuries are very common but My mind is focused and fully concentrated on the move.
GSN: How do you see Ghana Chance in this year’s Olympic Games?
DA: It is the dream every Ghanaian athlete have at a point to represent the country at the Olympics. Watching what other athletes are doing out there is lightening the dream of the up and coming and the experienced Athletes to do more to qualify for the Olympics. The more motivation we get from GOC, GAA, and our fellow athletes, we will for sure step out and be ready to conquer. To be Olympian means to be great. To be great also puts us in the best athletes, and who doesn’t want that?? I think some of us are in good shape and some are putting things together and we’ll continue to work hard to make it to the Olympics. Thank you
GSN: How do you combine Education with Athletics?
DA: Being a student athlete in general is clearly not as easy as we all see it. It takes the largest amount of hard work and dedication. We try as much as possible to not go unnoticed. It’s not for everyone I guess, but those who have love or can do it have perseverance and commitment. We learn lots of skills in school so the amount of time recommended every week in our career teaches us discipline and leads to remarkable performance
GSN: From the 2019 All African Games in Rabat- Morocco, you were on top form, will the Covid-19 have any affect negative impact on you?
DA: Covid 19 have no impact on my performance. Im stuck with my training program and I’ve been doing good and meeting my training goals. Blaming it on covid will rather make me feel weaker but in general I feel much stronger than I use to in 2019. I’m more focused on what I want to do than what I use to do or can’t do.
GSN: How to you see the future of Ghana athletics
DA: I’m sorry but that’s not predictable, I’m not too sure what could happen in the future of Ghana athletics. Time throw possibilities at different directions but something good should be expected. One thing I can say for sure is that Gh athletics is working hard and that the performance level of the athletes might increase.
