Yomi Omogbeja
As 2014 winds down, AthleticsAfrica editor, Yomi Omogbeja, caught up with Ghanaian sprinter Flings Owusu-Agyapong for a quick-fire chat. Here are few things you never knew about Flings Owusu-Agyapong outside of Track and Field.
AA: Where were you born?
FOA: I was born in Kumasi, Ghana and moved to Toronto, Canada at the age of 9.
AA: What is your greatest fear in life, and on the tracks?
FOA: I’m not sure what my greatest fears are but I’d have to say it would be to go through life being too afraid to pursue my dreams and aspirations.
AA: What are the traits you most deplore in others?
FOA: A trait I don’t particularly find attractive in people is when people choose to stay ignorant regardless of the facts and information presented to them.
AA: What food do you like the most?
FOA: I love a lot of Ghanaian food. My favorites would be ‘Ego’ (mashed ripe plantain, onion, pepper and peanuts.), I also love Jollof and rice balls with peanut soup.
AA: What book are you reading currently/or last read?
FOA: I am currently reading a book by James Patterson called ‘First to Die‘. That and of course my Bible.
AA: What is your favourite pre-competition routine?
FOA: My pre race rituals include getting an amazing nights sleep, and reading a bible verse when I wake up, and leaving time to pray before I leave my room. I also pray during warm-up and as I’m about to get in my blocks. It calms me and keeps me focused.
AA: Who is your toughest rival on the track?
FOA: I don’t have a specific rival but I view everyone in any race as a tough rival.
AA: If you had to choose another event to star in, which would it be?
FOA: If I had to choose another event I’d choose the hurdles. I’ve always loved the hurdles and always wished I could be a hurdler.
AA: If you could not be an athlete, what would you be doing?
FOA: If I wasn’t an athlete I’d probably be working in public health. I graduated with a bachelors in public health from Syracuse University.
AA: Who is your best friend?
FOA: I have a few people who are extremely close to me that I consider my best friends.
Ghanaian sprinter Flings Owusu-Agyapong / Photo credit: Flings Owusu-Agyapong
AA: What is your favourite African/Ghanaian movie?
FOA: I don’t have a favorite Ghanaian movie at the moment but I especially enjoy the dramas and the comedies. Right now my favorite Ghanaian actress is Yvonne Okoro.
AA: Who is your favourite African/Ghanaian music star?
FOA: I enjoy listening to Sarkodie as well as older artists like Kojo Antwi and Daddy Lumba.
AA: What is your favourite African/Ghanaian song?
FOA: My all time favorite Ghanaian songs would be “Me Nya Ntaban” and “Akonoba” both by Kojo Antwi. There’s nothing like old songs
AA: How do you relax, and what’s in your bucket list for 2015?
FOA: To relax, I like to paint (although I’m not the best at it), write, sometimes dace and I’ve recently taken up crochet. For 2015 my goal is to make the World championships [in Beijing] and make a real impact in my event.
AA: Are you in a relationship now, if yes, how long have you been dating?
FOA: I’ve been in a relationship for about 5 years now.
AA: What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
FOA: I’d consider my greatest achievement so far would probably be making the 2014 world indoor Championships [in Sopot, Poland].
Interview with Flings and other Ghanaian athletes at Glasgow 2014
