Olympics
Exclusive: Grace Mintah Africa's Golden Arm Strikes Gold
Grace Mintah, Africa's first female arm-wrestling world champion, shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to winning gold in Moldova, highlighting her dedication and hopes for the future of the sport in Africa.
Image Credits: Onua Online
From humble beginnings to mounting the podium in Moldova, Grace Mintah, Africa's first female Arm-wrestling Gold medallist, recounts her incredible journey.
Becoming a world champion at 40 is absolutely impeccable and reserved for a select few. Mintah has finally claimed the global title she promised since joining the Federation in 2018. The three-time African Championships gold medallist now reigns supreme in the World Master Women 80kg left-arm arm-wrestling category.
"It's a dream come true," she remarked, after outlasting opponents from Sweden, Ukraine, Germany, and Turkey to be crowned champion. "No doubt, this feat is a major career highlight for the policewoman, but the 'first African woman' tagline is even more iconic,” Mintah told SportsBoom.com.
SAUDI'S CLOSED CHAPTER
Born in Winneba, Ghana, Mintah's international debut was prematurely truncated due to inexperience. She was eliminated in the semi-finals but has since overcome that setback in Riyadh.
"I felt crushed, missing the medal zone last year. However, it changed me," she reflected. "I've built a tough mentality. I always try to use my mistakes or times like those as a chance to grow and improve – I know that without those, I wouldn't be at this stage," remarked the Police Inspector.
I learned a lot from the 2023 World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia. I knew I was good, but I realized there was more work to be done when the competition began. I needed to refine my techniques, and I'm grateful to the coaching staff.
Grace Mintah
A CHAMPION'S MENTALITY
Mintah's gruelling journey culminated in a triumphant podium finish in Chisinau, Moldova. She took to the designated podium at the packed Radisson Arena, receiving applause from the onlooking crowd. Dressed in her Ghana track suit displaying the dominant red, yellow, and green, with the medal hanging around her neck, she was caught in a mix of emotions as tears trickled down her eyes; she proudly sang Ghana's national anthem.
“From the beginning to the end, it was challenging. Every step of the way required hard work, not just from me but also from the people who supported me,” says the world champion. "I must thank our Federation for their efforts. We started camping and training before moving to Moldova, and our collective efforts have paid off. The feeling from the fans is great." She said, “I'll relax for some days and return to training immediately.”
“The double African Games Gold Medallist remarked, “I've always said that what distinguishes me from others is my ambition, my hunger to keep improving myself, to never give up, and to always strive for more, as I have a few years ahead of me, dependent on my physical response.”
Ghana's Team Captain, Edward Yamoah Asamoah, praises Mintah's natural talent and incredible consistency. "She deserves all the attention she's receiving now; she's a natural winner, and her consistency is admirable," he said.
Mintah and the rest of the team will have fewer days of rest as they open preparations camp ahead of another World Arm-wrestling Championships in Loutraki Municipal Indoor Hall Galanopoulos, Greece, from September 30 to October 6.
A PROMISING FUTURE
With growing Armwrestling competitions, Mintah aims to inspire young ladies to embrace the sport. "We can't force participation, but we have willing young Ghanaians eager to learn," she says. "We just need to increase visibility and provide them with more reasons to venture into the discipline, whether as athletes or officials." She mentioned relaxing on her couch.
Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation, is optimistic about the continent's potential. "We have great potential, evident in African Games and Championships. I'm committed to unlocking our youths' potential." He is confident that with the right investment from Governments on the continent, Africa should be able to produce more world champions like Grace Mintah. "We need more training facilities and infrastructure, and I think it should be a collective effort by all stakeholders," he exclaimed.
The veteran sports journalist was quick to congratulate Grace Mintah for leading the way and becoming an example. "I personally congratulate Grace on her victory in Moldova; it showcases hard work and dedication. We're inspired once more that with the right steps, Africa will be great again." Africa's Team leader at Moldova stated.
Victor is a skilled broadcast journalist with an in-depth understanding of the sports ecosystem which spans over 8 years. He brings onboard a rich experience, having established himself as one of Ghana's finest lead commentators through major events like the African Games and the Ghana Women's Premier League.