Commonwealth Gold Only The Beginning For Eseme, Eyes More Global Success

BAMGBOSE GBENGA OLAWALE

Fresh from winning the men’s 100m gold medal at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme says his greatest strength is not being the fastest on paper, but believing he can beat anyone on the track.

The 32-year-old sprint star, who shattered the Commonwealth Games record while also setting a new Cameroonian national record, said his winning mentality has been the driving force behind his rise to the top of African sprinting.

“I never go into a race thinking someone else is going to win,” Eseme said after his triumph. “I always approach every competition with the mindset of a winner. That’s what’s really helping me on the biggest stages.”

Despite entering many competitions without the fastest qualifying time, the reigning African champion insists confidence and flawless execution have enabled him to consistently challenge the world’s best.

“At most of the meets I compete in, I’m never the fastest on paper. But I always know that if anyone wants to beat me, they have to run really fast,” he said.

“Even in the Diamond League, I’m often not the fastest on paper, but I’m usually among the top three or four because I believe in myself and execute my race.”

Having added Commonwealth Games gold to his African title and African Games crown, Eseme says his ambitions stretch far beyond continental success.

The Cameroonian revealed that his motivation is to prove African athletes can consistently compete with the world’s sprinting powerhouses while inspiring the next generation back home.

“I set my objectives very high,” he said. “I want Cameroonians, and not just Cameroonians but Africans, to believe that we are capable of achieving great things.”

Through his foundation, Eseme said he encourages young athletes to dream big and believe they can compete with the best.

“I always tell them that if the Americans, Jamaicans and Nigerians can achieve greatness, then we can do the same,” he said.

Eseme believes his achievements are already having a positive impact on athletics in Cameroon, with increasing numbers of young people embracing the sport.

“I believe I’m helping to pave the way for others. More people in Cameroon are taking up athletics because they have seen the potential we have.”

For the Commonwealth Games champion, Glasgow is not the final destination but another milestone in a journey driven by ambition, belief and the desire to inspire a new generation of African sprinters.