By Razeen Gutta
Once upon a time, Rose Amankwaah was the fastest woman in Africa. Now, she looks back on five decades of public service.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Amankwaah was the youngest of nine siblings, whose talent was spotted by Ghana Athletics at an inter-schools competition.
“We had a coach called Mr Lawson and he told me I was wasting my time on long jump and high jump and that he wanted to train me in the sprints,” she told BBC Sport Africa.
“I then went on to represent the Ashanti region and I came first. That’s how it all began.”
Today, the 72-year-old is the longest-serving nurse at London’s Central Middlesex Hospital. However, her journey through the National Healthcare Service only occurred after some significant athletics highlights.
“I was the second-fastest woman in Africa. I took silver in the 100m at the All Africa Games in Nigeria in 1973,” Amankwaah said.
“I also won gold in Mexico at the Afro-Latin American Games that year, and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in New Zealand in 1974.”
“And that will be there forever. Google, wherever you go, my name will be there.
“Being an athlete was wonderful. I did enjoy it. I still watch athletics — the Diamond League, the World Championship, and the Olympics. I even record it so I can watch it after work.”
After representing Ghana in athletics around the globe, Amankwaah joined one of her siblings in England and was inspired to get into nursing.
Now, after close to 50 years of nursing, Amankwaah will retire at the end of the month.
Pictured above: Speedy nurse Rose Amankwaah.
Image source: @nhsmillion
