Abeiku Jackson, the Ghanaian swimmer who won the country’s first-ever swimming medal at the 2023 African Games, has revealed that his success was inspired by the “mental strength” of the most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps.
Jackson secured the silver medal in the men’s 50m butterfly event on Sunday at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, much to the delight of the enthusiastic home crowd who turned out in their numbers to cheer on the swimming sensation.
In an exclusive interview with 3Sports, Jackson expressed his gratitude to his team and coaches for their support, but emphasised that it was Phelps’ ability to perform under pressure that really drove him to succeed.
“Thank you to everyone for their support. To the team as well. This is absolutely a stepping stone, so we have to celebrate it,” Jackson said.
“For me, in the game, Michael Phelps has always been my mentor. Not because of his physique or who he is as a person, but it’s his mental ability to stand up and rise to the occasion. It’s also my mental ability to stand up and rise to the occasion when needed. The fact that he’s able to do it inspired me. That’s why he’s my mentor.”
As captain of Team Ghana for swimming in the 2023 African Games, Abeiku Jackson remains confident that his team will earn more medals as Ghana eyes more slots in swimming at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in France later this year.
Abeiku Jackson competed in the 2016 Olympics, and making a return to one of the world’s biggest swimming stages again could make room for more development and personal achievement for the 23-year-old, whose sights are keenly fixed on glory.
With his historic win, Jackson has cemented his place as one of Ghana’s top athletes, and his dedication to his craft and his admiration for Phelps’ mental toughness serve as an inspiration to young athletes across the country.
By Prosper Kuzo | 3Sports | Ghana