Ghana's First Olympic Medal Since 1992: Social Media Fetes Boxer Samuel Takyi

There is one name dominating social media space in Ghana hours into the new month of August.

That name belongs to a 20-year-old Ghanaian boxer who has etched his name into national histiry books by securing Ghana her fifth Olympic medal in the pugilistic sport.

Samuel Takyi, in the wee hours of Sunday defeated Colombia’s David Ceibar Avila to make the semi-final of the boxing event of the 2020 Olympic Games which guarantees him a medal and Ghana's first Olympic medal in 29 years.

The last time Ghana won a medal at the games was in the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

Thanks to Takyi's victory, the national flag will be hoisted on a medal podium in the coming days.

Social media has been feting the new medalist long before his semi-final bout and hopefully final which would mean he could be going for gold.

The rules governing boxing at the Olympic Games indicate that losers of the semi-final win bronze medal which means by virtue of making it to the semis, Takyi is a medalist.

He becomes the fourth Ghanaian after Clement Quartey – 1960- Silver, Eddie Blay – 1964- Bronze and Prince Amartey – 1972 – Bronze to win Ghana a medal at the Olympic Games.

Samuel Takyi will by all means return to Ghana with a medal - be it gold, silver or bronze

Below are some social media reactions:

The streets of Accra at 3am after Samuel Takyi’s win. This is what it means to the people. This is why we love sport. It’s 3am but look at that!!! #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ZHydh1t2nq

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) August 1, 2021

Samuel Takyi has done it. He came from behind to just win it against his Colombian opponent to make it to the Semis of the men's featherweight #boxing. A win away from a guaranteed medal now. Go Ghana.????????????????#Olympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/0Os2oneyCk

— Callis_GH / Callis_NL ???????????????? (@Callis_GH) August 1, 2021

Fight Highlights:

Samuel Takyi punches his way to Olympic glory. Trailing on the judges' scorecards heading into round 3, the 20 year old showed spirit and determination beyond his years to turn it around. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Exy11CbXAm

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) August 1, 2021

In #Boxing at the Olympics, both losing semi finalists are awarded bronze medals, meaning Samuel Takyi will get a medal irrespective of the outcome of his semi final fight.

Go for GOLD ????#Tokyo2020 #KobbyKyeiSports pic.twitter.com/RLPPcHLxw4

— KOBBY KYEI SPORTS (@KobbyKyeiSports) August 1, 2021

YESSSSSSS!! A medal at last. Ghana’s Samuel Takyi books a semi final spot in the men’s featherweight boxing event and guarantees himself at least a bronze medal at his first Olympics. Ghana’s first Olympic medal since 1992. #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/xFcKVNTekr

— Oteng aning (@Zorf) August 1, 2021

???????? Samuel Takyi has secured #Ghana's first medal at the #Olympics since the football team won bronze at 1992 Barcelona Olympics - 2⃣9⃣ years ago!

The featherweight boxer won his quarter-final match which guarantees him a bronze medal at #Tokyo2020 #TeamGhana #TokyoOlympics2020 https://t.co/2JWJsmmHAk

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) August 1, 2021