A 48kg weightlifting gold
medallist at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algeria, Onyeka Azike, has urged more females to develop their talent in the sport.
Azike told newsmen in Lagos that most young girls that are interested in weightlifting nurse the fear that they might not be able to have children.
She said that a large number of female weightlifters now mothers, have won laurels for their states and the nation at various national and international competitions.
“Women are really making waves in sports generally but particularly in weightlifting. I advise the young girls out there to come out and showcase their skills and maintain the standard.
“A lot of us have been able to make the country proud at various major games and some of us have had children, even after our participation at the competitions.
“There is no doubt weightlifting requires lots of training which result in building of muscles, but even at that, it doesn’t stop them from having children,’’ she said.
The weightlifter that represented the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games emphasised the need for coaches to build a cordial relationship with upcoming athletes, to boost their passion.
According to her, the inspiration and training impact in the developmental stages of a budding talent but goes a long way to bring out the skill to limelight.
“The coaches that nurtured me contributed positively to my career and achievements and this is because we had a good working relationship and I was really determined to excel.
“Weightlifting coaches must do more in the grooming of the female athletes to alter any negative talk and impression through moral talks and comprehensive trainings on ethics,’’ she added.
She, therefore, charged the young females aspiring to make a career in weightlifting to be objective and committed to their training and not to accommodate any discouragement.