Opinions of Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Columnist: Anthony Obeng Afrane

Mahama about to set a presidential record

Former President John Dramani Mahama Former President John Dramani Mahama

Folks, before I start my commentary on a virtual presidential race, I would like to give a brief historical background of the Olympic Games. The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC.

The games were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus. Unlike today where Olympic winners are given a high-carat gold medal, ancient Olympic victors were given palm branches as their prizes.

The 100m is one of the most high-profile competitions of the Summer Olympics. The men’s event has been held since the inception of the modern Games in Athens in 1896. The women’s race was added in Amsterdam in 1928.

The USA has been the most successful nation in 100m at the Olympics, having won 16 of the 29 men’s gold medals so far, and nine of the 21 women’s gold medals.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt holds the Olympic as well as the world record in the men’s 100m and is the most successful sprinter ever in the event with three gold medals. Carl Lewis of the USA, with two, is the only other man to have won multiple gold medals in 100m at the Olympics.

Now, fasten your seat-belts for a takeoff

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment is here! The long-awaited final of the Olympic Presidential 100-meter race is about to commence. The track judges, timekeepers, and race starters are getting ready. All is now set for the historic race.

On your marks, get set, poo. Oh, a second gun has been fired indicating that something has gone wrong. I could see the track judges warning Opana for a false start, he seemed to be too desperate.

The athletes return for a fresh start, and there they go. 50 meters have been covered, and the men are being separated from the boys.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a few meters to the finish line. I can see Magic Mahama inching closer. Oh my God, he crosses the finish line at a terrific speed.

A record has been set! He has become the first under the democratic dispensation to be sworn into office three times as president of the Republic of Ghana.

JDM shoots his index fingers in the air in a Usain Bolt style to signal to spectators that it was a one-touch victory. Laa ilaaha illallah. What a race!