Owen Ansah made history in 2024 as the first German sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the 100-meter dash, achieving a time of 9.99 seconds. Despite facing racist backlash online, he remained resilient and motivated. His year included a German championship title, a European bronze medal, and a notable appearance at the Paris Olympics. Celebrated in Hamburg, Ansah’s achievements are a testament to perseverance, rooted in his family’s immigrant journey.
Owen Ansah: A Historic Milestone in Athletics
In 2024, Owen Ansah etched his name in the annals of athletics history by becoming the first German sprinter to break the elusive 10-second mark in the 100-meter dash. Hailing from Hamburg, Ansah not only achieved this remarkable feat but also faced a wave of racist attacks in the aftermath. Nevertheless, the HSV athlete remained resilient and draws strength from these experiences as he looks forward to the upcoming year.
Recently, Owen expressed his gratitude in bold letters on his Instagram story, reflecting on the significant chapter he has written in German sports history. On June 29, during the national championships, Ansah sprinted to victory with an astonishing time of 9.99 seconds, marking a moment of historic importance akin to Armin Hary’s celebrated 10.0 seconds in Zurich back in 1960. This remarkable achievement earned him a German championship title for Hamburger SV.
Overcoming Challenges and Racism
Despite the joy of his record-breaking run, Ansah faced challenges on social media that threatened to overshadow his achievement. Born to Ghanaian immigrants, he endured racist abuse online, prompting the German Athletics Association to collaborate with a special prosecutor’s office to address these issues. “You can either let it destroy you or move on with your life,” said Ansah, choosing the latter and using the negativity as motivation to strive for even greater heights in 2025. “I want to show them that the German Owen Ansah can do it again!”
After a long rehabilitation from injuries, Ansah made a stunning comeback, clocking 10.11 seconds in his first competition back in May 2024. His determination led him to the European Championship final in Rome, where he finished fifth and contributed to a bronze medal in the sprint relay. Just weeks later, he shattered the German record, setting off a wave of applause for the athlete who has become a beacon of hope and perseverance.
While 2024 was filled with successes, it also came with its share of disappointments. At the Olympic Games in Paris, Ansah faced tough competition alongside US star Noah Lyles but exited the heats with a time of 10.22 seconds, missing the semifinals. Despite this setback, he remains focused on his future goals, eager to continue his journey in athletics. “I have put that behind me. Just standing next to someone like Noah Lyles was an experience in itself,” he reflected.
Owen Ansah’s remarkable journey culminated in a triumphant year that included a German record, a European Championship medal, and a celebration in front of 57,000 fans at the Hamburger Volksparkstadion. His parents, who immigrated to Germany with little, were there to witness their son’s achievements, a moment that holds immense significance for Ansah. “My parents built a life here, and experiencing this with them means everything to me,” he shared.
With his record-setting jersey now displayed in the HSV Museum and his name celebrated in Hamburg’s Golden Book, Owen Ansah has much to look forward to. As he continues to break barriers in athletics, he remains grounded in his roots and motivated by the values instilled by his family.