Ghana’s teenage para-athletics sensation Hayford Addai produced the performance of his young career after clocking a personal best of 10.99 seconds to finish fifth in the men’s 100m T47 final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 17-year-old entered the competition as one of Team Ghana’s brightest medal hopes and came within touching distance of a podium finish. Although he narrowly missed out on a medal, Addai left the track with his head held high after recording the fastest time of his career on one of the biggest stages in international para-sport.
Competing in his maiden Commonwealth Games, the young sprinter displayed remarkable composure against an experienced field, confirming his status as one of Ghana’s most exciting emerging para-athletes.
Despite his disappointment at not winning a medal, Addai’s outstanding performance drew admiration from fellow competitors. In the mixed zone after the race, athletes from several countries congratulated the Ghanaian teenager, praising his speed and determination while encouraging him to remain focused on the future.
Their words of encouragement reflected the belief that the young Ghanaian possesses the talent to become a regular contender on the international stage.
Speaking after the race, Addai admitted he had hoped to bring home a medal for Ghana but was encouraged by his personal-best performance.
“I wanted to win a medal for Ghana, so I’m disappointed with the result. But setting a personal best gives me confidence. The encouragement from the other athletes means a lot to me, and I’ll keep working hard to come back stronger,” he said.
Team Ghana officials also applauded Addai’s determination and resilience, describing his performance as a strong indication of the bright future awaiting Ghana’s para-athletics programme.
While the podium remained just out of reach, Hayford Addai’s new personal best of 10.99 seconds stands as a major milestone in his development. At just 17 years old, he leaves the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games having announced himself on the international stage, with many expecting him to return stronger and challenge for medals at future continental and global championships.
By: Victoria Kwofie
