Amewu Mensah
Olympic high jumper & professor


Current position
Professor for Environmental Measurement Technology
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
School of Engineering and Environment
Athletic career — high jump
| 8th at the Olympic Games 2000 (Sydney, Australia) |
| 2nd at the European U23 Championships 1999 (Gothenburg, Sweden) |
| Multiple-time German national champion |
Approach & mindset
Two years ago, he approached me on his own initiative because he was determined to explore every avenue for improvement. He understood that the most successful players distinguish themselves by investing in every aspect of their growth. His goal was to become a complete athlete, guided by the belief that growth often occurs outside one’s comfort zone and beyond the boundaries of sport-specific training.
Throughout this period, he has consistently demonstrated the qualities that separate good athletes from exceptional ones. He is highly disciplined, intensely motivated, and fully committed to maximizing his potential. He approaches every training session with determination, a willingness to push his limits, and an unwavering commitment to hard work. In fact, there have been occasions when I have had to hold him back rather than push him forward.
Athletic development
When we first started training together, he had little prior exposure to the way athletic performance training analyzes and develops the fundamental qualities that underpin movement, including foot mechanics, force production, and movement control. Rather than being discouraged by the steep learning curve, he embraced it.
He never complained about the repetitive work required to master these fundamentals. Instead, he committed himself fully to the process, understanding that excellence is built through consistency, patience, and attention to detail. The exceptional body control and movement efficiency he demonstrates today are not the product of talent alone, but of a relentless commitment to learning and continuous refinement. Today, he is able to absorb and implement new skills and movement patterns almost immediately. His ability to translate instruction into performance reflects not only his athletic intelligence, but also the attention to detail with which he approaches every aspect of training.
Combined with his competitive mindset, these qualities have enabled him to make continuous progress year after year. At an age when many teenagers are easily distracted from their goals, he consistently makes choices that support his growth as an athlete. His professionalism and commitment to raising his standards are not limited to the time spent in the gym, but extend to nutrition, recovery, and sleep as well. Few athletes demonstrate such a high level of discipline and accountability for their own development.
Character & leadership
Beyond his own progress, what has always impressed me is his willingness to bring others along on the journey. Rather than treating our training as a personal advantage to be kept to himself, he has consistently encouraged teammates and fellow athletes to pursue their own growth. He understands that the strongest teams are built by individuals who help elevate those around them. His willingness to motivate and support others reflects both his character and his leadership potential.
It has been a pleasure to be part of his journey, and I look forward to seeing where that same commitment and drive will take him in the years ahead.
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Sydney 2000 Her Olympic kit
Bib 1914, spikes and eighth-place diploma, women’s high jump
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Mobility Leg raises on the mat
Workout with Amewu Mensah
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Core Plank hold
Workout with Amewu Mensah
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Track On the track
Workout with Amewu Mensah
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Warm-up Dynamic warm-up
Workout with Amewu Mensah
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Mobility Leg raises by the rail
Workout with Amewu Mensah
Next: see the film
Watch the games this reference is talking about.