Those current and former WTAMU runners are representing their respective nations in the games over the next two weeks.
Sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Isaac Botsio of Ghana and hurdler Bassem Hemeida of Qatar all wore the maroon for WTAMU and are now competing among the best in the world on the biggest stage where they’ve ever run.
It’s an indication of the massive success the program has enjoyed in recent years.
“I think this just shows that we’re recruiting at a high level and we’re developing at a high level and getting the right student athletes to WT,” Stewart said. “We’re definitely proud of them and their accomplishments of getting there and hopefully they can do something when they’re there.”
Stewart knows word is getting around about the success of his program.
“I think just having that on social media on the platforms all over just helps in recruiting nowadays,” Stewart said. “Anything that we can show what we’re developing at our university is going to help us in the future with our recruiting. Future athletes will know that they can come here and get better and accomplish their dreams and aspirations in their sport.”
That’s something Azamati, Botsio and Hemeida can all claim, and that’s gotten them to the highest level in their sport. It’s only appropriate that two of them are going together.
Mathematically, Azamati has the best chance of winning a medal or reaching a final. He’s a double qualifier, making the games for Ghana in the 100 meters as an individual and as part of his nation’s 400 relay team.
Joining him will be Botsio, a WT sophomore. They’ll be running with Ibrahaim Fuseini and Joseph Amoah to round out the quartet.
“In Ghana those guys will be in the mix on the relay,” Stewart said. “They’ve been in a world championship final and been in some big meets so I think they have a very good chance to get in the final, and once you get in the final anything can happen.”
This isn’t new territory for Azamati, a WT graduate. He also represented Ghana in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, competing in the same two events.
“I think Azamati in the 100 has been looking better and better,” Stewart said. “That’s a big goal for him to make a final. Just improving and getting to the next round is the goal right now.”
Hemeida has qualified in the 400 hurdles for Qatar to make his first Olympics. He’s ranked 31st in the world in the event.
Stewart said Hemeida will need to have a sense of urgency in the first round of qualifying.
“He’ll need to really run at his best in that third round to make it to the semifinal round,” Stewart said. “He’s been battling some injuries here and there. I think he’s got a good chance but he’s got to be healthy and hit it right from the get-go in that prelim round.”
The pressure and butterflies which go with competing on a world stage are common for every athlete. Stewart thinks his athletes can deal with it.
“These three guys specifically have so much experience that they are able to manage all the hype around these world meets,” Stewart said. “I think that’s a big thing. If it was someone without a lot of experience it might be too much to take in. With all the athletes and all the other sports going on it might be hard to keep your focus. I feel confidence that they’ll stay on task and embrace the opportunity in front of them.”
There’s not going to be a lot he can do for them for the next two weeks, though. The best he can do is follow them.
“We’ll be glued to the TV a lot,” Stewart said. “You’ve got the time difference and all that so I’ll have to message and talk to them at different times during the day. It’s pretty crazy watching them on that stage and not being there is a lot of anxiety for a coach being able to see them face to face.
“Getting on this stage is just an honor for these guys representing their countries and to represent us knowing we gave them the opportunity to hit those times that got them into the Olympics is awesome for us as a university and for our coaching staff as well.”