Being the first athlete to clinch gold medals for Nigeria in the women’s 53kg of weightlifting event at the ongoing 11th African Games, Elizabeth Onuah said her feat would kick-start the country’s medal hauls at the championship.
The Edo State-born athlete claimed two gold and one silver to improve the country’s medal charge at the competition.
“I am so excited winning these medals in my first appearance at the African Games because I never expected to win medals based on my little experience in international championship. I think it is God that made it possible for me because prior to the games I had shed a lot of weight to be able to make it to the games. Despite this, God made it possible for me to win medals,” Onuah said.
She however said that her performance have encouraged her to be eager to compete in more tournaments outside the country. “I am particularly happy to be part of the team and I am sure this performance in Brazzaville has ignited my hunger for more competitions now. I am willing to continue to compete and I look forward to tournaments like this across the globe.”
She added: “There is no doubt that the preparation we had before the games has really helped me a lot and I am hoping to see Nigeria winning more medals in other tournaments and I am optimistic that my gold medals will inspire Nigerian athletes to aim for the top in Brazzaville.
Also, Monica Iwe, who competed in the women’s 53kg, won two silver and one bronze medal while the duo of Razak Tanimowo (56kg) and Charles Edem failed to make it to the podium in their events.
The Edo State-born athlete claimed two gold and one silver to improve the country’s medal charge at the competition.
“I am so excited winning these medals in my first appearance at the African Games because I never expected to win medals based on my little experience in international championship. I think it is God that made it possible for me because prior to the games I had shed a lot of weight to be able to make it to the games. Despite this, God made it possible for me to win medals,” Onuah said.
She however said that her performance have encouraged her to be eager to compete in more tournaments outside the country. “I am particularly happy to be part of the team and I am sure this performance in Brazzaville has ignited my hunger for more competitions now. I am willing to continue to compete and I look forward to tournaments like this across the globe.”
She added: “There is no doubt that the preparation we had before the games has really helped me a lot and I am hoping to see Nigeria winning more medals in other tournaments and I am optimistic that my gold medals will inspire Nigerian athletes to aim for the top in Brazzaville.
Also, Monica Iwe, who competed in the women’s 53kg, won two silver and one bronze medal while the duo of Razak Tanimowo (56kg) and Charles Edem failed to make it to the podium in their events.