Accra:Long before the name 'Baby Jet' became synonymous with Ghanaian football through Asamoah Gyan, Alice Annum had already left her mark in athletics as a pioneering figure for Ghanaian women. Born on October 20, 1948, in Accra, Annum is celebrated today as she turns 78, commemorating her remarkable contributions to Ghana's sporting history.
According to Ghana Web, Annum was the first Ghanaian woman to compete at the Olympic Games, earning her the "Baby Jet" nickname long before it was associated with Gyan. She competed in three Olympic Games, beginning with the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she participated in the women's long jump. Although she did not advance beyond the qualifying stage, her presence marked a significant milestone for Ghanaian female athletes.
Annum's most memorable Olympic performances came at the 1972 Games in Munich, where she finished sixth in the women's 100 meters and seventh in the 200 meters. Her personal best of 22.89 seconds in the 200 meters remains a significant achievement in her career. Beyond the Olympics, Annum excelled in various international competitions. She won gold in the long jump at the 1965 All-Africa Games in Brazzaville and secured silver in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. Her dominance in African sprinting was further confirmed with double gold in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos.
Alice Annum's career was not only marked by her medal-winning performances but also by her role in paving the way for future generations of Ghanaian female athletes. Her participation in the now-defunct National Sports Festivals and her time at the University of Tennessee exemplified the importance of international exposure and investment in grassroots sports development.
In recognition of her contributions, Annum was honored by the Action Progressive Institute in Ghana in 2010. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions on Ghana's sporting heritage and the role of women in athletics during a time when female representation was still emerging. As Ghana reflects on its history, Annum's story is a reminder of the athletes who laid the foundation for the country's international sporting reputation.