Akwasi Frimpong’s (Ghana, sport: skeleton) life is a story of paradoxes—of breaking barriers where none were meant to be. He is the lion in the snow, the outsider who belongs, and the dreamer who turns the improbable into reality. On February 29, 2020, he made history, becoming the first African skeleton athlete to win an elite race sanctioned by the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation in Park City, Utah. From the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics to his relentless drive toward Milano Cortina 2026, Akwasi’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and purpose.
From Ghana to the Netherlands: The Journey of an Undocumented Dreamer
Frimpomg was born in Kumasi, Ghana, where his early life was marked by joy, family, and dreams beyond his reach. At the age of eight, his world changed when he moved to the Netherlands to join his mother, who had emigrated in search of a better future. But life in a new country was anything but easy.
For over a decade, Frimpong lived as an undocumented immigrant—an invisible existence filled with fear and uncertainty. "I couldn’t do what other kids did. I had dreams, but no papers," he recalled. Despite the barriers, he found refuge in sports. It was his speed on the track that caught the attention of a coach, who saw his raw talent and determination.
Frimpong's persistence paid off when, after 13 years of living without legal status, he received his Dutch residency. From there, he pushed himself academically and athletically, eventually earning a degree in Marketing and Communications from Utah Valley University. “I had to fight for everything—papers, education, a future,” he said. “But I knew that if I kept running, one day, I’d reach my dream.”
The Paradox of His Journey
In our AI-generated video, we saw paradoxes—crocodiles, elephants, and Saharan buffalo in the snow. Creatures that shouldn’t belong in winter’s grip, yet there they were. Just like Akwasi, a Ghanaian athlete in a winter sport, conquering a world where few expected him to succeed.
The Cost of a Dream: Sponsorship and Financing
Frimpong's journey is not just one of athletic grit but also financial struggle. "Sponsorship is tough," he admits. “I’ve had to self-fund my training, my gear, and my travel. Every dollar matters.” He highlighted how essential brand partnerships are, not only for funding but for amplifying his mission to inspire African youth. “Sponsorship isn’t just about logos on a suit. It’s about sharing a story that defies limits.”
Frimpong's wife played a crucial role during financial hardships. “She found ways to stretch every resource while encouraging me to keep chasing my dream.” But the search for sponsors remains ongoing. "I want brands to see that I’m more than an athlete; I’m a symbol of resilience."
A Call for Support: Understanding His Brand and Audience
Recently, we stumbled upon a LinkedIn post from Frimpong:
Inspired by his call to action, we wanted to help Akwasi gain a better understanding of his brand and his audience. So, we pulled social media data from his accounts and conducted an analysis of Olympic-related conversations on Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram), one year ahead of Milano Cortina 2026.
It’s important to note that this is a non-Olympic year, but with the Winter Games returning to Europe—after Beijing 2022 (China), PyeongChang 2018 (South Korea), and Sochi 2014 (Russia)—the audience should be significant. European-hosted Games traditionally draw a large viewership, especially from global sports enthusiasts.
This analysis focuses solely on social media, excluding the vast traditional media coverage he has received over the years. Here are some key insights:
A psychographic analysis of Frimpong's followers on X
The soft drink affinities of Frimpong's followers on X
In the past 30 days we found 185 million people engaging around the Olympics on Meta. As the Olympic approach this number will rise exponentially. Supporting an Olympian like Frimpong is a huge opportunity for a sponsor especially if the knowledge of his fanbase is known and that a social media strategy is put in play before, during and after the Olynpic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Hope of a Billion: Inspiring the Next Generation
Akwasi’s story is bigger than medals. It’s about impact. In 2022, he and his wife Erica founded the Hope of a Billion Foundation, aiming to inspire over a billion people from underserved communities to chase their dreams, no matter the odds. Through motivational talks, mentorship programs, and sports initiatives, he is planting the seeds of hope across Africa and beyond. “There are a billion people who have been told they can’t. I want to be the proof that they can,” he said.
The Road to Milano Cortina 2026
Now, Akwasi stands on the brink of another Olympic chapter, with his eyes set on Milano Cortina 2026. For him, it’s more than a race—it’s a statement. “I want kids from Africa to know they can be anything, even a skeleton racer on ice.”
In Akwasi Frimpong, we see the ultimate paradox: an athlete who doesn’t fit the mold, yet redefines it. A man who shouldn’t be where he is, yet belongs there more than anyone.
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