Africa’s Sprint ‘Revolutionary’ Inspired by Arsenal’s Gyokeres Celebration

A Unique Athlete’s Journey

Emmanuel Eseme is far from an ordinary world-class sprinter. Transitioning from a career as an amateur football goalkeeper, the Cameroonian only began his athletic journey at age 24. Now, at 32, he divides his time between sprinting and fulfilling his role as an environmental engineer.

Currently residing in Portugal, Eseme has joined Sporting CP, a prestigious club known for its football team, where he represents various sports while donning their iconic green and white striped uniform. He has even embraced the goal celebration of one of the club’s former stars, Viktor Gyokeres, who famously covers his mouth with interlocking fingers after scoring.

“I admired his playing style—he was powerful and very driven,” Eseme shared with BBC Sport Africa. “Initially, I didn’t grasp the significance behind the mask celebration, but I decided to attach my own meaning to it. It seems akin to a pirate’s mask. When pirates head out, they alter everything around them, and I feel that’s the essence of my journey in athletics. I aim to be that pirate, a true game changer.”

Eseme expressed his delight upon receiving a video congratulation from Gyokeres for qualifying for last year’s Olympics in Paris. “This motivated me to push further,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to embodying the mask’s spirit.

As he prepares to compete in both the 100m and 200m at his third World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, he aspires that his accomplishments will significantly impact athletics in Cameroon.

Building on Mbango’s Golden Legacy

Eseme is convinced that the potential for athletics exists in Cameroon, although he worries that younger generations are losing touch with the legacy of Francoise Mbango, who clinched Olympic gold in the triple jump in both 2004 and 2008.

“Only one Cameroonian has ever medaled at the World Championships—Francoise Mbango claimed silver in both 2001 and 2003,” he noted. Despite her success, Eseme laments that nearly two decades without international accolades has led to a diminishing recognition of athletics among youth. “Years have passed since her achievement, and many youngsters are unaware of her accomplishments. Society seems to have undervalued athletics as a sport that can bring significant pride to the country.”

Eseme, now a father, shared these thoughts after a training session at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, a multi-sport facility that was originally constructed for the postponed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. While football remains the dominant sport in Cameroon, he believes improvements in athletic facilities have provided greater consistency for athletes.

“Before my time in Europe, I faced barriers,” he recalled, noting that football had restricted his access to essential facilities. “Now, we have multiple tracks available for training.”

However, he asserts more reforms are needed, particularly in coaching development. “We are surrounded by coaches who are truly passionate about the sport; we just need to give them the tools to delve deeper into their coaching techniques. Moreover, introducing sports medicine in Cameroon is crucial as it has greatly aided my progress.”

Although Eseme prefers to maintain a low profile, often wearing a hoodie and cap in public to avoid attention, he embraces the chance to inspire others. “Had I commenced earlier, perhaps Cameroon would be celebrating an Olympic champion or a world champion,” he expressed. “My goal is to motivate the younger generation to start now. If you don’t aim high, you won’t go far.”

‘I Believe Africa Is Going to Take Over’

Esteemed sprinter Eseme finished fourth in the 100m semi-final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, just 0.07 seconds short of qualifying for the final. Reflecting on the season, he noted it has been a rollercoaster, particularly due to an injury that sidelined him during the indoor season.

He has consistently achieved top-six results in his first four 100m races of the Diamond League calendar, clocking a seasonal best of 9.99 seconds in Rome, just shy of his personal best of 9.96 seconds. In July, he set a new national record in the 200m, but injury has hindered his performance since then. “Despite not training at full intensity, I’m striving towards my objectives for Tokyo to represent my country to the best of my ability,” he stated.

Having encountered difficulties with injuries and visa troubles at various global events, he admitted that coping with these challenges has been tough. “I was deeply affected,” he confided, revealing his concerns about being perceived as “just faking it due to fear.”

Encouragement has come from fellow South African sprinter Akani Simbine, who has tragically finished fourth in the last two Olympic finals. “Whenever doubts arise, he offers reassurance and guidance,” Eseme revealed. Simbine earned a silver medal at last year’s Games in Paris as part of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team, a feat echoed by Botswana in the men’s 4x400m.

With ten African sprinters reaching the semi-finals of the 100m in Paris, including Letsile Tebogo, who went on to win gold in the 200m, Eseme is optimistic about the future of African sprinting. “I genuinely believe Africa is poised to dominate,” he asserted, inspired by the recent successes of sprinters like Tebogo and Simbine.

Despite being older than many competitors who have been in the sport for over 15 years, Eseme believes his journey is not yet over. “Although I may not be young, my muscles still feel fresh, and I continue to progress,” he reflected. “The athletes from Jamaica, America, and South Africa are not out of reach; if they can achieve excellence, so can I.”