‘Absence In World Championships, Reason For Low Olympic Slots’

The Secretary, Nigeria Weightlifting
Federation, Uche Onwumeh,  has reiterated
the need for athletes to participate in World Championships to enhance their
chances of taking part in major competitions such as the Olympics.
Reacting to the award of two slots to Nigeria in the event at the London
Olympics, Onwumeh said the fact that the country’s weightlifters did not
participate in the championships was responsible.
The secretary, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos, urged the National Sports
Commission to ensure that the country’s athletes competed at the World
Championships.

“Our non participation at the 2010
Weightlifting World Championships held in Antalya, Turkey, reduced our points
to secure more slots to represent the country in London’’ she explained.

According to her, regular participation in
both continental and world championships will help athletes to acquire points
and have better chances of getting more slots for the Olympic Games.

Onwumeh said that all the weightlifters
that participated at the qualifiers in Kenya in April were outstanding “but due
to our low points, only two could make it to the Games.

“Our athletes are exceptionally good,
especially the females who broke the African record. However, the fact that we
participated in a few major competitions affected us,’’ she added.

The secretary disclosed that the athletes
currently in camp in Abuja were responding to training.

She explained that apart from the two to
compete in the Olympics, other lifters who do well while in camp would also be
in London.

Onwumeh disclosed that the lifters will
undertake a training tour to hone their skill before the Games.

She recommended that immediately after the
London Olympics, preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games should start.