Oduro Jnr, Coffie Target Medals in 400m Hurdles Finals at Dakar 2026

Ghana will have two representatives competing for medals in the 400m hurdles finals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, following impressive performances by Stephen Oduro Jnr and Mary Coffie in the semi-finals.

Oduro Jnr will compete in the boys’ final at 14:00 GMT, while Coffie takes to the track for the girls’ final at 14:14 GMT. Both races will be held at the Complex Iba Mar Diop in Dakar.

The two athletes secured their places in Monday’s semi-finals on Monday, with Oduro recording a personal best of 53.03 seconds to finish third in his race. Coffie also finished third in her semi-final, clocking 1:01.59 to qualify for the final.

Their qualification marks a significant achievement for Ghana, with both athletes now having the opportunity to compete for honours on one of the biggest stages in youth athletics.

The 400m hurdles is regarded as one of the most demanding track events, requiring athletes to combine speed, endurance, rhythm and technical precision while clearing ten hurdles over a full lap.

Maintaining a consistent stride pattern and managing energy levels are particularly important, as fatigue in the closing stages can affect an athlete’s technique and overall performance.

For Oduro Jnr and Coffie, reaching the finals also offers valuable international experience, allowing them to test their abilities against some of the world’s promising young athletes while representing Ghana.

Chef de Mission of Team Ghana at Dakar 2026, Evans Yeboah, described the qualification of the two athletes as a major achievement for the team and Ghanaian athletics.

He said both athletes had demonstrated composure and quality in their semi-final races, adding that Oduro’s personal-best performance reflected his development and progress.

“Having two athletes in the finals of one of the toughest events on the track is a real achievement for Stephen and Mary, and for Ghanaian athletics,” he said.

“Whatever happens this afternoon, the whole team is behind them, and we are proud of the way they are representing Ghana here in Dakar,” Mr Yeboah added.

With both athletes through to the finals, attention will now turn to their performances as they seek to translate their impressive semi-final displays into medal-winning finishes for Ghana.

Grace Acheampong, ISD