Reaching heights and achieving dreams requires hard work, grit, sacrifice, and innovation qualities Eric Annobil, 110m Hurdles Gold Medalist embodies.

Born on September 22, Annobil aspired to excel in sports however faced the challenge of balancing academics with athletics while working menial jobs.

“It’s such tedious work to combine academics and sports and asides, I’m even working (menial jobs) to support my academics and training, it’s not easy at all,”  Annobil said.

Being a 500-level student at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana, studying Management Information Systems, Annobil has won three medals at the All Africa University Games.

His family which he described as loving resides in Kumasi and engaged in family business, one of which was the sales of sachet water along the streets.

“I grew up in a loving family with my sibling in Kumasi, where we hustle and we engage in family business together,” the Ghanaian said.

On September 27, Annobil won the Men’s 110m Hurdles and also helped his teammates to win bronze 4×100m and Gold 4×400m relays.

Speaking on how it feels to win three medals at the FASU Games, an overjoyed Annobil said, “I used Table and Chairs as Hurdles to Practice, now i feel very excited, I am overwhelmed, I can’t say much though; although I’m even speechless, I wasn’t expecting medals, three medals! It’s such an amazing achievement.”

Annobil’s career has rather been rocky, as he had to use tables and chairs as makeshift hurdles to practice, in the absence of actual hurdles.

He did not sit back and wait for everything to be served on a platter, he was innovative and intentional about chasing his dreams.  

With his university games’ success, Annobil has set his sights on greater heights as he wants to compete at the national level.

Written by Ikio Biobelemoye, Media Volunteer