RAFIAT LAWAL DELIGHTED AFTER PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION, WANTS GOVT SUPPORT

By Oluseyi Adedire

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Nigeria and Oyo state weightlifter, Rafiat Folashade Lawal is over the moon after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games billed to hold from Friday July 26, 2024 tp Sunday, August 11, 2024.

The commonwealth gold medalist sealed the 2024 Olympic ticket after triumphing in the women's Group C, 59KG category at the ongoing 2024 IWF world cup in Phuket, Thailand.

Amongst over 80 weightlifters in her category in the world, Lawal finished seventh in the rankings to make top ten athletes that will represent thier respective countries at the major international multi-sport event that is held once every four years on leap years.

She had 101 lift in snatch, 126 in clean & jack, and the total of 227 is an African record in the women's 59KG category.

Rafiat Folashade Lawal told OyoSportsNews; “I knew securing qualification to Paris 2024 Olympic Games would be a challenge on several fronts, this is a battle amongst top and best weightlifters in the world not Africa alone. I’m delighted with the camaraderie within the camp, at the state level and federal. I'm super excited to have made top seventh athletes in the rankings. It was a tough events but to God be the glory."

“This is my first step in a long journey in Olympic qualification. Event like this is always tough and competitive with group of weightlifters on stage."

Lawal disclosed further that for Nigeria athletes to fully achieve their potentials, they need requisite support through the federal government under the minitry for sports. She was also quick to commend Oyo State Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for prompt response and commitment mostly to Oyo athletes, saying that he had been a great source of inspiration to many athletes in Oyo state because of his resilience and determination to ensure they emerge the best in the world.

"The government should just support us, because there are some necessities that the athletes need now and those things cost money. Most of us use our personal money to do all these things and we are representing the country at different international levels; this should not be so."

“I think the government should do something quickly; the Olympic Games are just around the corner. I think after returning from African Games and Olympic qualifiers, we should be at close camping with necessary facilities, medications, benefits, and allowances."

“I want to continue from where I stopped in Phuket, Thailand ahead of the Olympic Games. I want to continue to monitor my progression, fitness, and work on other areas with my coach." She concluded.

The 2024 Olympic Games holds in Paris from Friday, July 26, 2024, to Sunday, August 11, 2024.