Gabriel Laryea

Gabriel Laryea was Ghana’s top sprinter during the 1950s, having taken up track and field athletics in 1944, although during most of that time the country was named Gold Coast. He represented that nation at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where he was eliminated in the opening heats of both the 100 metres event and the 4 x 100 metres relay, the latter alongside George Acquaah, John Owusu, and Augustus Lawson. Laryea’s other major international tournament was the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, where he was vice-captain of the team and competed in the 100 metres, but was hampered by an illness and did not perform well. Lingering illness led him to retire permanently in 1958. Later in life he held a variety of administrative positions in Ghana sport, helped found the Accra Sports Stadium, and, after his death, an athletic award, as well as a street in Accra, were named in his honor.

Personal Best: 100 – unknown.