World Athletics Championships: Joseph Fahnbulleh wants to end American dominance in the sprints

Since Usain Bolt retired, plenty of sprinters have made their mark at the World Championships. And they have all been Americans: Justin Gatlin in 2017, Christina Coleman in 2019 and Fred Kerley in 2022. No African has made the podium at the Worlds over the blue-riband distance. That could soon change, if Joseph Fahnbulleh is to be believed. The Liberian sprinter maintains that Africa is ready to challenge American supremacy on the sprint circuit.

"For a while, it's been the Americans. There's a shift on the African side, and I like it. We're storming them, but slowly. We're not overwhelming, but you see more and more African athletes every year. I feel good," said the 21-year-old athlete, who was born in Minnesota (USA).

While Africa has yet to shine in the 100 m at the Worlds, the continent has produced a few feats over 200 m. The most recent was Wayde Van Niekerk's silver medal in 2017. But the pioneer remains Namibia's Frank Frederick, who won 4 medals, including a gold in 1993, over this distance at the Worlds. Nigeria's Francis Obikwelu (1999) and South Africa's Anaso Jobodwana (2015) also won bronze medals at the Worlds.

At the 2023 Worlds in Budapest, Joseph Fahnbulleh (200 m), Luxolo Adams, Ferdinand Omanyala (100 m), Akani Smibine (100 m) and Letsile Tebogo are the continent's medal hopes in the sprints. The Liberian is aiming for bronze at the very least. "I'm not really putting pressure on myself," Fahnbulleh said. "I'm just going to go out there and compete, whether I finish first, second or third. In every round I aim to win, but yes, the next logical step is third."

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