Olympics like no other competition – Lawal

Nigerian weightlifter Rafiatu Folashade Lawal has described her maiden Olympic experience as unique, emphasising that the Games are not like any other competition she has participated in, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking with Making of Champions after her fifth-place finish in the women’s 59 kg event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Lawal said,

“This Olympics, I would say it’s totally different from the whole competition I’ve been to. But thank God, because the focus I have for it, I’ve never had it in my life.”

The 27-year-old athlete, who lifted a total of 230 kg (100 kg in Snatch and 130 kg in Clean & Jerk), narrowly missed out on a bronze medal by 5 kg.

Lawal expressed mixed emotions about her performance.

“I feel bad, on one side. Then I feel happy, on the other side,” she said.

“Where I feel good is that, you know, when you are starting something, some people will start it at the same time, but they didn’t finish it for today. Even some are not here.”

Lawal also acknowledged the challenges she faced during preparation, including scepticism from some quarters about her abilities, and that she remained focused on her goals.

She said, “When they said when you have something, as in you have targets for something, you don’t look at the obstacles.”

She expressed gratitude to her fans and support system, saying, “I would say a big thank you to all my fans out there for the support, for the prayers, and for the courage some people are giving me.

“Even the coach that goes to the camp, that does the work, I can say he’s a very understanding person. Because when you are doing something, he has the encouragement to give just for you to do what you’re supposed to do. So I give kudos to him too.”