'There is no level playing field' - Ghanaian skeleton racer Akwasi Frimpong unhappy as rule change denies him spot

Ghanaian skeleton racer Akwasi Frimpong says a change in rules around quotas for the Winter Olympics does not “encourage diversity” after he missed out on a place in Beijing. The 35-year-old finished 30th on his Olympic debut in Pyeongchang after qualifying through the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s (IBSF) continental quota system.

Ad/> However, that qualification method has since been scrapped, leading to Frimpong and his team pleading with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider a rule change to allow him to compete in China. /> Beijing 2022Olympics Unlocked: Amy Williams on why the Skeleton is the scariest sport at the Games3 HOURS AGO He had been on course to secure his place using a regular route, but he was forced out of competition at a crucial time due to a Covid-19 contraction, ending his hopes of improving upon his performance from South Korea.

Under previous rules, Frimpong would have been able to retain a chance of representing his country at the Winter Games, as every continent received those precious quota places. Beijing 2022 Olympic Games: Schedule, big names, key events and more Olympics Unlocked: Amy Williams on why the Skeleton is the scariest sport at the Games Skeleton at the Beijing Olympics: What are the rules? How do you win gold? The decision has angered Frimpong.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, he said, “People will never understand the uphill battle we as African athletes in winter sports face, just to participate.” /> «The people making the rules must make the changes now or it will be too late. Africa is watching and the world is taking notice», he said.