The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Sola Aiyepeku has commended the state’s silver medalist in 59kg weightlifting, Adijat Olarinoye, over her feat at the ongoing 2022 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olarinoye a gold medalist in 53kg event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, settled for silver in a new 59kg category.
Olarinoye was beaten by another gold medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Rofiat Lawal.
The LSSC boss praised Olarinoye’s determination, adding that the sports commission would not relent in its grassroots developmental programmes.
“The essence of sports is competition; Olarinoye came up from a different class to compete in the 59kg, even she competed among the best in the category.
“Olarinoye would have won if not for the positioning of her lift. She has epitomised all what the Lagos state developmental programmes stand for.
“Lagos State is known for development of talents, while other states will like to poach athletes. For us, Olarinoye will continue with us,” he said.
On the younger 12-year-old Florence Olarinoye who won bronze, Aiyepeku said that the promising talent would be encouraged to do more.
“Florence is following the footsteps of her elder sister, we want her to compete and make her own name because that is how to keep the family name growing.
“We are always challenging our athletes to give their best and be adequately rewarded.
“We are expecting more medals from our athletes, but team sports is a bit tricky example of what happened to our female football team that lost in the finals,” he said.
NAN reports that Team Lagos sits on the 4th position with 16 gold, 33 silver and 31 bronze with the total of 80 medals.
The host, Team Delta has unassailable lead with 146 gold, 78 silver, 51 bronze and a total of 275 medals; Team Bayelsa sits distant 2nd with 40 gold, 23 silver, 40 bronze and a total of 103 medals.
Team Edo in 3rd with 28 gold, 42 silver, 68 bronze and a total 68 medals, while Team Oyo, Ogun, Rivers and Imo are in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th respectively. (NAN)