Isaac Botsio Targets Olympic Medals at LA 2028 Games

Ghanaian sprinter Isaac Botsio has set his sights on reaching the Olympic podium at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, drawing inspiration from some of the world’s fastest athletes as he continues his journey towards becoming a sub-10-second 100m runner. The seven-time NCAA Division II national champion believes that competing against elite sprinters and observing their performances at the highest level have strengthened his confidence in what he can achieve.

Botsio completed an outstanding collegiate career at West Texas A&M University in 2026. The 26-year-old made history by winning three consecutive NCAA Division II outdoor 100m national championships between 2024 and 2026. His achievements also include NCAA Division II titles in the 4x100m relay from 2023 to 2025 and the indoor 60m championship in 2023.

Born and raised in Ahinkofikrom, in Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi area, Botsio’s rise to international athletics was built on patience, sacrifice and years of preparation. After completing high school, he spent three years training at Essipong Stadium before receiving an opportunity to continue his education and athletic career in the United States.

Since moving to America, he has represented Ghana at major international competitions, won an African Championships gold medal as part of the 4x100m relay team, recorded an all-conditions 100m time of 9.90 seconds with a +2.2 m/s wind reading and competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Alongside his athletic commitments, he also earned a nursing diploma from West Texas A&M University.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Botsio discussed his journey from Ghana to American collegiate athletics, the challenges faced by Ghanaian sprinters competing in the NCAA system, his relationship with fellow Ghanaian athlete Benjamin Azamati and the lessons he learned from watching Christian Coleman at the Paris Olympics. He also explained why he believes he can reach world-class sprinting times and outlined his ambitions for Los Angeles 2028.

Isaac Botsio’s journey from Ahinkofikrom to West Texas A&M University

Botsio’s early development as a sprinter was shaped by the limited resources and competitive opportunities available to young athletes in Ghana. After graduating from high school, he spent three years at home, dedicating his time to track and field while waiting for an opportunity to take his ambitions further.

He acknowledged that access to proper equipment, facilities and high-level competitions was difficult during those years. However, rather than viewing those limitations as reasons to abandon his ambitions, he used them to develop the discipline and determination required to progress.

Reflecting on the influence of his upbringing, Botsio explained that his background played an important role in shaping his mentality.

He said: “Yes, to some extent, especially after graduating from high school and spending three years at home. I dedicated all of that time to track and field as a young athlete, chasing my dreams. Growing up in Ghana, access to resources, equipment, and competitive opportunities in athletics was very limited.”

He added that those obstacles helped him become more determined to succeed rather than allowing his circumstances to define his future.

One of the most important parts of his early journey was training at Essipong Stadium with his local coach, Emmanuel Budu. While many of his former classmates moved on to university or employment after high school, Botsio remained committed to his sporting ambitions.

Leaving his family and moving to the United States eventually became another major test. Adjusting to a different culture, managing academic responsibilities and competing in a demanding collegiate athletics environment required him to become more independent.

Recalling the sacrifices involved in reaching West Texas A&M, he said:

“Leaving my family and adapting to an entirely new environment were among my biggest sacrifices. After graduating high school, I saw my classmates elevating some were entering universities while others secured employment. Seeing that didn’t discourage me from chasing my ambitions.”

He also remembered the lonely training sessions at Essipong Stadium, where he continued working towards his dream of competing abroad. His move to West Texas A&M ultimately gave him the opportunity to combine higher education with high-level sprinting.

“I still remember the lonely journey training at Essipong Stadium with my local coach, Emmanuel Budu, because my dream was always to travel abroad and make a difference. That dream came true at West Texas A&M University,” Botsio explained.

His experience at the university involved balancing demanding training sessions, academic work and personal responsibilities. According to the Ghanaian sprinter, those experiences taught him resilience and the importance of moving beyond familiar surroundings to pursue bigger goals.

Three consecutive NCAA Division II 100m titles strengthened Botsio’s confidence

Botsio’s collegiate achievements at West Texas A&M placed him among the standout sprinters in NCAA Division II athletics. Winning a national championship is a significant accomplishment, but successfully defending that title twice required him to maintain his performance over several seasons.

He won the NCAA Division II outdoor 100m national championship in 2024, 2025 and 2026, completing a remarkable three-year run. His success also extended to the 4x100m relay, where he secured national titles between 2023 and 2025, and the indoor 60m championship in 2023.

For Botsio, the key to sustaining that success was refusing to become comfortable after his first major victory. Instead, he concentrated on identifying weaknesses, improving his preparation and maintaining consistency throughout the year.

Explaining the mentality behind his three consecutive 100m championships, he said:

“My mindset was to stay hungry and never become comfortable with success. Every single season presented new challenges, so I focused on attacking my weaknesses and maintaining year-round consistency.”

He admitted that winning his first national title was a special moment, but defending it twice demanded greater discipline, preparation and mental strength.

Botsio also expressed gratitude to West Texas A&M, his coaching staff and the university’s athletic trainers for supporting his development. He specifically acknowledged coaches Matthew Stewart, Gibson and Elorm Amenakpor for their contributions throughout his collegiate career.

His achievements in the NCAA system have provided a strong foundation for the next stage of his career. However, Botsio recognises that success at the collegiate level and competing against the world’s leading senior sprinters require different levels of preparation.

Why the NCAA-to-international transition remains challenging for Ghanaian sprinters

Although Botsio considers the NCAA highly competitive, he believes international athletics presents a different challenge because athletes must compete directly against the strongest sprinters from across the world.

Collegiate competition helped him develop technically and tactically, but representing Ghana at senior international events brings additional responsibility. The expectations associated with competing for his country also make mental preparation and emotional control particularly important.

He explained that international races require athletes to execute their plans under greater pressure, where even small mistakes can affect the final result.

“The NCAA is highly competitive and played a massive role in my tactical and technical development. However, international competition is on another tier because you are lining up directly against the world’s absolute best athletes,” Botsio said.

One of the structural challenges he highlighted concerns the competition calendar available to Ghanaian athletes studying and competing in the United States.

Many of Ghana’s emerging sprint talents are currently competing in the NCAA. However, once the collegiate season finishes, athletes can face a gap before the next major international championships. Botsio believes the absence of enough competitive meets during this period makes it difficult for sprinters to maintain their racing rhythm and prepare for major events.

He pointed to Jordan Anthony’s rapid development as an example of what talent, discipline and a properly supported training environment can produce. Botsio revealed that he had contacted Anthony through Instagram and described him as a great person.

When discussing what Ghana needs to improve its international sprinting standards, Botsio stressed the importance of modern facilities, quality coaching, financial assistance and regular exposure to international competition.

He said: “Ghana possesses tremendous raw sprinting talent, but we urgently need modern facilities, high-quality coaching, structured financial support, and consistent international exposure to compete regularly with the world’s elite.”

He also called for a deliberate competition calendar that takes into account the gap between the end of the NCAA season and major international championships.

For Ghana to consistently challenge for individual global medals, Botsio believes investment must begin at grassroots level. Better training facilities, certified coaching education and long-term financial support would help young athletes develop the technical and physical qualities required to compete internationally.

His comments underline a broader challenge for athletes who develop through American collegiate athletics while continuing to represent their home countries. Individual talent and dedication are important, but access to consistent competition and institutional support can also influence long-term progress.

Ghana’s 4x100m relay ambitions and the importance of team chemistry

Alongside his individual sprinting ambitions, Botsio remains focused on helping Ghana achieve success in the 4x100m relay. The event requires more than assembling four fast runners, as baton exchanges, communication and coordination can determine whether a team completes a successful race.

Having competed in the relay at a high level, he believes team chemistry is one of the most important elements of performance. Each athlete must understand the movement and stride patterns of their teammates while developing trust through repeated practice.

Botsio explained that even a small mistake during a baton exchange can cost a team valuable time or result in disqualification.

“Based on my experience, team chemistry is paramount because simply having four fast athletes does not automatically guarantee success. Trust, verbal communication, and efficient baton exchanges make the difference between a medal and a disqualification,” he said.

He added that Ghana’s relay preparations involve understanding individual stride patterns and practising exchanges consistently. The aim is to ensure that each member of the team can perform their role efficiently when competing against the world’s strongest relay nations.

Botsio is optimistic about Ghana’s future in the event and believes the country’s growing sprinting talent can translate into major international success over the coming years.

His ambitions extend beyond individual recognition. At the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, he wants to contribute to Ghana’s efforts to win a global medal in the 4x100m relay while also challenging for an individual podium finish in the 100m.

Block starts, acceleration and the technical improvements behind his sub-10-second target

Despite his success in NCAA Division II competition, Botsio understands that reaching the next level will require continued technical development. The 100m is decided by small margins, and improving individual phases of the race can make a significant difference to an athlete’s overall performance.

He considers acceleration and maximum velocity to be his strongest qualities. However, his current training priorities include improving block clearance and the first two steps of the drive phase.

The opening moments of a sprint are particularly important because athletes must generate force quickly and establish the momentum needed to accelerate down the track. A technically efficient start can help a sprinter move into the acceleration phase without losing valuable time.

Botsio and his coach are also working on the transition from acceleration into upright sprinting. Maintaining efficient mechanics while reaching maximum velocity and carrying that speed through the finish line remain important parts of his development.

He explained that his training continues to focus on refining these details rather than assuming that previous achievements mean his technique is already complete.

“My coach and I are working intensely on my block clearance and the first two steps of my drive phase. I consider my acceleration and maximum velocity to be my main strengths,” he said.

He added that improvements in starting mechanics and the transition into top-end speed could help him achieve faster times as the season progresses.

In sprinting, a fraction of a second can separate several athletes, making technical consistency especially important. Botsio’s objective is to turn his current strengths into more complete performances while continuing to develop the areas that need improvement.

His preparation also places considerable emphasis on injury prevention and recovery. Dynamic warm-ups, posterior-chain strength exercises, joint mobility, proper nutrition and sufficient sleep form part of his approach to managing demanding training sessions.

He believes recovery is just as important as the work completed on the track. Listening to his body and communicating with his coaching staff allows training intensity to be adjusted when necessary, helping him reduce the risk of soft-tissue injuries.

Watching Christian Coleman at the Paris Olympics changed Botsio’s perspective

Competing against elite American and Jamaican sprinters has helped Botsio raise his personal standards. Racing against athletes with international experience gives him opportunities to identify weaknesses and understand the level of technical, physical and mental preparation required to compete at the highest level.

One particularly important experience came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he had the opportunity to observe American sprint star Christian Coleman and other leading athletes up close.

Rather than seeing the world’s fastest sprinters as competitors who were beyond his reach, Botsio used the experience to strengthen his belief in his own potential. Watching their performances convinced him that the times achieved by elite athletes should be viewed as targets to work towards.

He recalled the moment and explained how it influenced his mentality:

“Observing Christian Coleman and other top sprinters up close, I told myself there isn’t a massive physiological difference between us. From that day on, I realized that if they can achieve those world-class times, I can achieve them as well with dedicated effort.”

The experience reinforced his belief that consistent training, technical improvement and determination could help him move closer to the world’s leading sprinters.

For Botsio, competing against established athletes is not simply about measuring himself against their performances. It is also an opportunity to learn, identify areas for improvement and develop the confidence needed to compete on major international stages.

His ambition to consistently run below 10 seconds reflects that mindset. He wants to establish himself among the leading sprinters in the world and lower his wind-legal personal best below 9.90 seconds.

Benjamin Azamati, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell shaped Botsio’s sprinting journey

While Christian Coleman provided a powerful example of what is possible at the Olympic level, Botsio’s inspiration in sprinting began much earlier. Two of the athletes who influenced his early development were Jamaican legends Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell.

He admired their dominance and longevity, and watching them compete encouraged him to dream of representing Ghana at major international events.

However, one of the most important figures in his personal development has been fellow Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati. Botsio watched Azamati compete in Ghana before he moved to West Texas A&M University and developed a strong admiration for his achievements.

He described Azamati as an older brother who continues to offer advice and technical guidance whenever needed.

“Benjamin Azamati is someone I look up to immensely. I watched him compete locally in Ghana before he moved to West Texas A&M, and he is like an older brother to me. He always gives me advice and technical cues whenever I need to improve,” Botsio said.

Having a more experienced Ghanaian athlete to learn from has given Botsio access to guidance that can be valuable during different stages of his career. Their shared connection to West Texas A&M also highlights the role the university has played in the development of Ghanaian sprinting talent.

Botsio also recognised the contribution of his family and the people who supported him from the beginning. He specifically thanked Fever Global Sports (FSG) for believing in his potential and supporting his journey.

Outside athletics, he enjoys following football, particularly major international tournaments. He appreciates the teamwork, tactical discipline and passion involved in the sport, noting that the principles of leadership and mental toughness apply across different sporting disciplines.

Isaac Botsio targets individual and relay medals at Los Angeles 2028

With his collegiate career completed, Botsio is now looking towards the next stage of his professional sprinting journey. His immediate performance ambitions centre on becoming a consistent sub-10-second 100m runner and improving his wind-legal personal best to below 9.90 seconds.

These targets form part of a larger objective: establishing himself among the leading sprinters in the world before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Botsio wants to compete for an individual Olympic medal in the 100m while also helping Ghana secure a global medal in the 4x100m relay. Achieving both goals would represent a major milestone in a career that began with years of training at home in Ghana before he received an opportunity to study and compete in the United States.

He explained his ambitions clearly, saying:

“My primary objective is to cement myself among the premier sprinters in the world, consistently break the 10-second barrier, and lower my wind-legal personal best below 9.90 seconds.”

Discussing the Olympic target, he added:

“For the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, my goal is to stand on the podium as an individual medalist and help Ghana capture a global medal in the 4x100m relay.”

His ambitions are not limited to personal records and championship medals. Botsio also wants his journey to encourage young athletes across Ghana and the African continent to pursue their sporting dreams, regardless of the challenges they face at the beginning.

He believes aspiring athletes should not allow their background or present circumstances to determine how far they can go. His own experience, from training at Essipong Stadium to winning three consecutive NCAA Division II 100m championships and representing Ghana at the Olympics, is central to that message.

He urged young athletes to remain patient, disciplined and consistent, while recognising that success requires sacrifice and access to the right opportunities.

“Never allow your background or current circumstances to dictate the ceiling of your dreams look at my journey as an example. Success demands strict discipline, patience, personal sacrifice, and consistency,” he said.

Can Botsio turn his NCAA success into Olympic podium ambitions?

Botsio’s collegiate career has given him a strong platform for pursuing his international goals. His three consecutive NCAA Division II outdoor 100m titles, relay achievements and experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics demonstrate the progress he has made since leaving Ghana.

However, his next challenge involves translating that success into consistent performances against the world’s leading senior sprinters. Improving his block starts, maintaining maximum velocity, staying healthy and finding regular opportunities to compete internationally will all be important as he works towards his targets.

His comments also highlight the wider support required for Ghanaian sprinting to develop. Better grassroots programmes, modern facilities, qualified coaches, financial investment and a more structured competition calendar could help emerging athletes make the transition from collegiate success to international competition.

For now, Botsio’s focus remains on improving his performances and building the consistency needed to challenge the 10-second barrier. His experience of watching Christian Coleman at the Paris Olympics has given him a clear source of motivation: world-class sprinting times are not beyond his imagination.

From three years of training at Essipong Stadium to becoming a seven-time NCAA Division II national champion and an Olympic representative, Botsio has already travelled a considerable distance. His next ambition is to turn that progress into individual and relay success for Ghana at Los Angeles 2028, while inspiring the next generation to believe that their own starting point does not have to determine their destination.