Naa Anang
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Naa Anang (athletics) was part of the Australian team that won bronze in the women’s 4x100m relay at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It was her second Games appearance after finishing 9th in the women’s long jump on the Gold Coast in 2018.
Born in Accra, Ghana, Anang was a toddler when her family moved to Australia, and she followed her older brothers into Little Athletics. Naa, which means ‘princess’, emerged on the national stage in 2008 aged just 13 when she won the national schools long jump title.
She won silver at the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man in 2011 but a broken leg and back stress fractures over the next two years kept her away from the sport. She rebounded to win bronze at the 2015 World University Games in Korea and gain selection for the 2017 world championships in London. At the 2019 Australian Championships, Anang became the first woman to win the 100m/long jump double, leaping to a wind-assisted 6.88m, although her series also included a legal PB 6.81m jump.
Sport / Discipline
Athletics
Birth Place
Accra, Ghana
Date of Birth
10/03/1995
Age
31
SOCIAL MEDIA
Gold Coast, 2018
Birmingham, 2022
Results History
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Additional Information
Languages Spoken:
No
Are you a citizen of a country other than Australia? If yes, please provide details?
Yes, I was born in Ghana as an Australian citizen.
Education Details:
Currently in the process of studying Physiotherapy
Club details:
QEII Track Club, Brisbane, Australia
Why did you begin your sport?
I began sport because my eldest brother was doing little athletics and naturally I wanted to be doing everything that he was doing!
Do you have any pre-competition routines or rituals?
I do not. I've learnt that things don't always go to plan so I prefer to just soak in the atmosphere, say a quick prayer and just go for it.
What is your most memorable sporting achievement?
For me, being an athlete is memorable but if I had to chose a moment it would have to be competing at my first senior international team this year at World Championships.
Who is your hero / idol, and why? Have you ever met them?
My hero in the athletic community would have to be Bronwyn Thompson. For me she symbolises what it means to be a true athlete and anyone who knows her would completely agree. Not only have I been fortunate enough to meet her, for a period of time I was coached by her which I am eternally grateful for.
Who has been the most influential person or people in your career and why?
There have been to two people who have been most influential on my career and these are John Davis and Gary Bourne. If not for John, I would not have specialised in the field of Long Jump or considered pursuing that path. I was fortunate enough to then be accepted into Gary's squad, upon recommendation from John, which has shaped me into the athlete and person I am today.
Do you have any hobbies away from your sport?
My hobbies outside of sport include fashion, interior design, travelling (which I am fortunate enough to do with my sport) and dancing which I love to do with my brothers.
What is your sporting ambition?
My ambition is to be a successful athlete. On one hand being successful for me means pushing yourself, performing the best you can and reaping the results from that. But on the other side, success for me is also dependent on the person I am and how athletics influences me. I would love to make the Olympics, start making major finals and crack that 7m barrier, but I also want to make a positive influence not only in the sporting community but in the world around me.
