Other Sports of Saturday, 1 September 2012

Source: GNA

Nkegbe calls it quit

Rapheal Botsyo Nkegbe, three time Paralympian and one of the nations leading athletes has decided to quit the sport at least at the Paralympic level, after his failed attempt in the semi finals of the men 100meter T54 category at the Olympic Stadium, in Stratford, in the 14th paralympic games in London.

Nkegbe, told the GNA Sports in an interview, that he has decided to call it quit because he wants to make way for other young and upcoming disable athletes adding that he has done his best for the nation.

"This is my last Paralympics i am not coming back again. 2016 is not on my mind, It's over. I may come back as an official or technical person for the nation but not to compete any more.

"We have to look at how best to identify and groom other young athletes to takeover from us. We have done our best and we have to pave way for others," the visibly disappointed Nkegbe told the GNA Sports.

Nkegbe, 33, however noted that he will be competing in the next All Africa Games in Congo in 2015, which he said would be his last international event. "I will retire finally after the All Africa Games. But i am also thinking of taking up another discipline, but this will remain my secret.

"I am multi talented i may go into a different discipline in the near future because i still have some strength in me and can do more," he said.

Nkegbe, remains one of the most successful disable athletes in Ghana, after winning three medals at the 2007 All Africa Games, as well as other international medals and three appearances in the Paralympic Games since 2004. He was once voted Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Male Athlete of the Year in 2008.