[Mark Vall]

As the sun rose over Accra, the excitement was palpable. It was the day when 25 of Ghana’s best athletes would begin their journey to the Paris Olympics. These men and women, representing the nation in various disciplines, were set to make their mark on the world stage. Their flight KLM 248, was scheduled for a 9:00 AM departure, first heading to Amsterdam before connecting to Paris on flight KL 383. Excitement buzzed through Kotoka International Airport as family, friends, and supporters gathered to see the team off. Coaches gave last-minute pep talks, and the athletes, dressed in their green, yellow, and red tracksuits, displayed a mix of nerves and excitement as they prepared to board the flight.




The journey to Amsterdam was smooth, and the athletes took the time to rest and visualize their upcoming performances. They landed at Schiphol Airport right on schedule, with a two-hour layover before their connecting flight to Paris.



As they disembarked, the vastness of Schiphol was immediately evident, with its sprawling terminals and numerous shops and restaurants. Navigating through the bustling airport proved challenging, and the team inadvertently split into smaller groups, each assuming they were heading in the right direction. Frantic phone calls ensued as team officials tried to gather everyone back together.

With only 30 minutes left before their flight to Paris was due to board, panic began to set in. Sprinting through the terminal, the athletes displayed an unexpected burst of speed – perhaps a testament to their rigorous training. Breathless and slightly disoriented, they finally regrouped at gate D6, where the final boarding call for KL 383 was being announced. As they boarded the flight, relief washed over them. The close call in Amsterdam had brought them closer, serving as a reminder that teamwork was essential both on and off the field.





The short flight to Paris was filled with shared laughter over their Schiphol misadventure. Upon landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the team was greeted with the vibrant energy of Paris. The City of Light was ready to host the world, and Ghana’s athletes were ready to shine. Despite the close call in Amsterdam, they knew that the challenges they faced on the ground were just as important as those on the field.

As Ghana’s flag rose in the Olympic Village, the athletes knew they were not just competing for medals, but for the honor and pride of their homeland. And no matter the outcome, their story – starting with a near-missed flight in the heart of Europe – would be one they would cherish forever.