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Rose Amankwaah, formerly known as Rose Asiedua, is a retired Ghanaian-British nurse and former athlete. She is popularly known for her dual achievements in athletics and nursing. Rose’s story is a testament of resilience, dedication, and powers of pursuing one’s passion.
In 1973, she gained prominence as a sprinter representing Ghana at the All-Africa Games held in Nigeria. Dubbed the “fastest woman in Africa”, she showcased her athletic prowess on the international stage. At the game, she won a silver and gold medal in the 100 meters and 4 x 100m relay sprints respectively.
She also won a gold medal in a 200 meters race in an Africa versus America athletics competition in 1973, and a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 meters relay at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1974. She represented Ghana in the same race at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
At 22, Rose moved to England where she flawlessly transitioned from athletics to healthcare. By 1975, she started her training at Central Middlesex Hospital, the beginning of a nearly 50-year-long career with the NHS. She was affectionately called “Matron Rose”, ultimately becoming a theatre matron.
Throughout her career, Rose significantly witnessed and contributed to medical procedures. In 2023, her dedication and contributions to nursing was recognized when she received the NHS Silver Medal Award from England’s chief nurse, Dame Ruth May.
Rose’s legacy is celebrated not just within the walls of Central Middlesex Hospital, but also by those who had the honor of working with her. After 49 years of service as a nurse, Rose retired in 2024 at the age of 72.
Rose Amankwaah’s journey from an Olympic sprinter to a revered NHS matron represents the spirit of determination and commitment. She serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion and hard work, one can excel in multiple fields and leave a lasting legacy.
Her story is not just about personal achievements but one of profound impact of an individual. For these reasons, we celebrate Rose Amankwaah as our woman crush today, a true icon of strength, dedication and inspiration.
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