Sarah Ovayioza Matthew, popularly known as the Golden Girl of Nigerian weightlifting, has once again stamped her authority at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival, clinching three gold medals in her category with a confident declaration: “I’m not here with the intention to break any record, but I picked the three gold with calmness”
The seasoned champion told Sports247 after her triumphant performance that she came to the festival not primarily to compete fiercely, but to stay fit and maintain her training momentum ahead of bigger challenges.
“I’m here to relax, not to really compete, but to keep fit and keep training,” Sarah said.
“Sometimes, when you’re truly prepared and focused, the results come naturally.
I knew I would pick the gold medals because I’m confident in my preparation.”
Sarah’s performance did not disappoint, as she dominated her weight class, winning gold in all three lifts — snatch, clean & jerk, and total — demonstrating her technical prowess and physical strength.
Her calm approach and unwavering confidence have inspired many young athletes who see her as a role model not only for her medals but for her mindset and dedication.
The Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival continues to serve as a breeding ground for talents like Sarah, offering a vital platform for athletes to hone their skills while showcasing their abilities on a national stage.
As Sarah prepares for upcoming international competitions, her message is clear: success comes with consistent effort, and sometimes, even when you don’t aim to break records, greatness is inevitable.
