After her explosive performance at the African Weightlifting Championship, Nigeria’s sensational, Rafiat Lawal has shifted to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier, aclsports.com reports.
Rafiat Lawal won three gold medals in the women’s 59kg at the 2023 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia.
The national champion told www.aclsports.com that the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation’s camping programs have aided the development of the lifters ahead of major championships.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist said Nigeria lifters are in better positions to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games due to their current rankings.
Lawal said, “I was excited to win three gold medals for the country at the last African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia. I really worked hard for the medal with the assistance of my coach and the technical crew of the NWF.
“Before the championship, we camped for several weeks and the technical crew was able to give us programs that will aid our performance as well as ensure the national flag was hoisted at the venue of the championship.
“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is aware that we need to attend some championships before we make it to the Olympics. My job is to attend, ensure I make the qualification mark, and deliver medals for my country, Nigeria. I know what it takes to qualify for the Olympics; it is based on better lifts and records.”
“My dream is to stand on the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and I know God will help me achieve it”, she explained to www.aclsports.com
The national champion commended the President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul for his commitment to repositioning the sport as well as attracting sponsors.
“He is trying his best for us to attend various championships and the only way we can reward him is to continue winning medals. We are hoping sponsors approach the Federation because we are one of the medal-winning sports in the country and need all the encouragement we can get.”
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