Elvis Afrifa delivered a masterclass in sprinting at the BFK Games, seizing gold in the men’s 100 meters with a commanding time of 10.25 seconds. The Dutch champion exploded out of the blocks and maintained his lead through the finish. Fending off a fierce challenge from South Africa’s Benjamin Richardson, who finished just three hundredths of a second behind at 10.28.
Afrifa, who has steadily built his reputation on the European circuit, showcased his trademark acceleration and composure under pressure. His early years in Amsterdam football gave way to a sprinting career that has seen him win Dutch national titles and represent the Netherlands at major international events.
After overcoming a serious hamstring injury, Afrifa has become a force in relay and individual sprints, highlighted by his relay gold at the Diamond League in Stockholm and a fourth-place finish in the 4x100m at the 2022 European Championships.
Richardson, meanwhile, continues his meteoric rise. At just 21, he has already clocked a personal best of 9.86 seconds, making him the second-fastest South African ever.
Richardson’s silver-medal run at the 2021 U20 World Championships and his recent 100m bronze at the African Championships signal a bright future. He pushed Afrifa to the line at the BFK Games, demonstrating the raw speed and competitive spirit that have defined his young career.
The showdown between Afrifa and Richardson electrified the stadium, proving once again that the men’s 100 meters remains the marquee event in athletics. With both sprinters eyeing further international glory, fans can expect more thrilling duels in the seasons ahead.
