African Silver medallist, Esther Kolawole revealed that she is eager to win more titles for Nigeria at subsequent International Championships in 2023.
Esther Kolawole lost to Olympic bronze medallist, Marwa Amri of Tunisia in the women’s 62kg finals to settle for silver medal at the 2023 African Senior Wrestling Championship in Tunisia.
In an exclusive interview with www.aclsports.com, Kolawole said defeating Marwa Amri boosted her confidence in the championship.
The National Senior Champion said, “To be honest, I did not achieve my aim because I should have given my 100%. Thank God there will be another opportunity to prove myself at the 2023 Grand Prix in Spain and Ranking Series in Hungary next July.
“I have all that it takes by the grace of God to cause an upset and to win my weight class in subsequent International Championships”.
She said, “I felt so happy and motivated beating Marwa Amri, an Olympic medallist but I knew I needed to work more.
“After my quarterfinals match, the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali walked up to me to tell me that I needed to wrestle her (Marwa Amri) harder than I did, he told me as a young girl I needed to keep wrestling all through the 6 minute match.
“After the words from the President, I realised I had the potential to wrestle everyone in my weight class hands down”.
Kolawole explained to www.aclsports.com that she draws motivation from her personal coach, Purity Akuh who doubles as the head coach of Ondo State Wrestling Association.
She said her senior colleagues including Aminat Adeniyi, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Blessing Oborududu and many more inspire her on and off the wrestling mat.
The promising wrestler said, “My personal coach, Purity Akuh has been a major source of motivation to me and the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali who always encourages me mentally and financially.
“My seniors, which include Aminat Adeniyi, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Blessing Oborududu and others have really taught me a few things on the mat and training has exposed me.”
