Eugene Amo-Dadzie Blazes to joint fifth on European All-Time 100m list at Lee Valley Athletics Centre
Eugene Amo-Dadzie electrified the track at Lee Valley Athletics Centre on Saturday 30 August, storming to a personal best of 9.87 seconds (+2.0m/s) in the men’s 100m.
The performance catapulted the 33 year old sprinter to joint fifth on the European all-time list, standing shoulder to shoulder with 1992 Olympic champion Linford Christie.
Amo-Dadzie, a proud GLL Sport Foundation athlete who trains regularly at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, set a European leading time for the season, marking a significant highlight ahead of this month’s World Athletics Championships.
Reflecting on the moment, Amo-Dadzie described it as “complete and utter shock, elation, joy, pride, thankfulness. A truly surreal moment that has yet to sink in.”
For Amo-Dadzie, the achievement is about more than just times and titles.
He said: “Personally, that means my name is etched in special history. Something for my children to be proud of. And evidence that with faith in God the possibilities are truly endless.”
The sprinter, who will represent Great Britain in the 4x100m relay at this month’s World Athletics Championships, is clear about the bigger picture.
“I’m all about inspiration and I want everyone, not just aspiring sprinters, to see my story as proof that you can achieve your dreams – however far-fetched they may seem.”
Amo-Dadzie is quick to credit the role of routine in his rapid rise, adding: “Consistency has been a huge part of my improvement. A consistent training environment at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, a consistent diet and simply stacking together days, weeks and months of ordinary training which has led to an extraordinary achievement.”
Lee Valley Athletics Centre, where Amo-Dadzie trains regularly, has been central to that journey.
“Lee Valley is what I like to call a one stop shop for improvement. Both outdoor and indoor tracks to complement my training no matter the conditions and world-class gym equipment which stand the test of the most rigorous sprint training.”
As a GLL Sport Foundation athlete, Amo-Dadzie also highlighted the role of wider support.
“The GSF support has been invaluable for me. Having access to all centres means on busier days I can train closer to home at other Better centres. Some which contain sauna facilities which are a key part of my recovery. It just takes away the mental stress of worrying about the right training environments.”
Looking ahead, Amo-Dadzie remains grounded yet ambitious, by saying: “Physically it isn’t about trying to reinvent the wheel – the same things that got me here will get me through the champs. Mentally, praying daily and reading the Bible keep my mind at peace and my faith strong. It’s my goal and prayer to win 4x100m gold with GB.”
And his advice to others chasing their own ambitions? “To other athletes I’d say, pursue your passions and find your purpose. Success will follow.”
Earlier this year, Amo-Dadzie showcased his sprinting prowess by clinching victory in the men’s 100m at the European Athletics Team Championships 1st Division in Madrid, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s premier sprinters.
With this latest feat, Eugene Amo-Dadzie continues to make waves on the international athletics stage, highlighting the importance and impact of the GLL Sport Foundation.