From tears to glory — the story of triple gold medalist, Esther Adebola

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium 

  

  

  

  

From tears at the gym, to national glory at the Niger Delta Games, this is the story of Edo State triple gold medalist in weightlifting, Esther Adebola.

It was a day overflowing with tears of joy for Esther Adebola as she received her medals during the medal ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia in the historic city of Benin City.

The young weightlifter secured her medals in the snatch, clean and jack, and total sealing the day in grand style.

She described her story as a shining testament of the good results of hard work and determination, emphasizing that there were times she just wanted to quit.

“I feel good, though the journey wasn't easy, but with the support of my coach, my family and friends I was able to get the job done.

“Being at the Niger Delta Games was not easy but I was just trying my best to make sure that I performed to the best of my ability.

“The training was intensive, it was really tough, sometimes I shed tears during training because of the intensity of the sport and then I began to question my ability to go far in weightlifting, because football was my first love, but with the unending support from my coach I have been able to succeed,” she explained.

She made this statement in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, adding that her story should serve as an inspiration for other athletes.

She thanked the organisers of the Niger Delta Games for giving her the opportunity to showcase all her years of hard work on a big stage.

Esther described her performance as a huge source of joy and celebration in her family, who all came to watch her compete.

“The support from my family has been magnanimous, especially my grandmother, who came to watch me compete in the games. Words can't describe how happy I was to see her,” she expressed.

Looking into the future she stated that her long-term goal is to compete at the Olympics, and to inscribe her name with the precious and highly sought after metal on the international stage.

 

OUR COVERAGE OF THE 2ND EDITION OF THE NIGER DELTA GAMES IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

 

★ The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs Sabina Chikere 

 

★ Emmanuel Egbele, CEO/Founder, Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Classics

★ The President, Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, Olumide Oyedeji (OLY)