Lagos State para-athlete, Rukayat Ajiboye has admitted she was thrilled and delighted to win the first gold medal at the 11th National Sports Festival in Abuja, sports247.ng reports.
Ajiboye stated as much after emerging tops in the 45kg category of the women’s para-power lifting event, ahead of Loveth Abokin from Delta State, who finished second to win silver, while Chinomso Onyebueke of Abia placed third to win the event’s bronze.
Ajiboye said it was her first time of winning a medal at a major competition, adding: “I thank God for the victory. I have never won anything in seven years I’ve been participating in competitions.
“We were eight in my category and I am happy that I came first. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
On her part, Abokin said she could not perform well due to fatigue, and revealed: “We left Edo on Wednesday at 8am and we arrived in Abuja on Thursday at 2pm.
“Our bus had a problem on our way to Abuja, and we slept in the bus overnight. For me, with my disability, I needed more time to rest before participating in any competition. So, I’m not happy that I came second.”
In the women’s 41kg category, Lucy Ihuoma of Imo State lifted 107kg to win the gold medal and expressed joy that she has made her state proud in the competition.
Esther Nwogu of Rivers State, who placed second to win the silver medal, said her performance was affected by her inability to lift in the third round because she was tired, but added: “I am happy to finish in second position.”
Ben Nsini of Akwa Ibom, who won the bronze medal, said it was a miracle for her to take third position in the competition, as she disclosed: “This is because I did not have the strength to lift in the third round.”
