Q&A with weightlifting gold medalist Olarinoye

A young starlet announced her arrival on the global stage at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in spectacular fashion by winning Nigeria's first gold medal at the event.

Twenty-three-year-old Adijat Adenike Olarinoye was born on 14 July 1999 in Lagos. She is a 200-level International Relations student at the National Open University in Nigeria.

She made her debut for Nigeria in 2019 at the All-African Games in Morrocco where she announced her arrival on the continental stage by clinching gold in her 55kg weight category. Adijat also set a new African record in the clean and jerk category by lifting 116kg to finish overall best in the competition ahead of her competitors.

Adijat is one of only two females to win gold for Nigeria in weightlifting in Birmingham 2022.

Tell us about the moment you knew that you had won Gold in Birmingham?

I was so happy because I had been a bit confused towards the end of the competition due to the distractions from the jury. They cancelled one of my attempts; my first lift in the clean and jerk, so when I found out I won gold, I was very happy.

What were your expectations going into the competition?

My expectation for the games was to win gold and set a new record, which I did.

You set a new Commonwealth record; how does that make you feel?

Setting the Commonwealth Games record is a massive achievement for me. I want to do better in my next competition. I was very nervous and had to endure a late scare in the competition but I am thankful I eventually won and set a new games record.

How did you get into weightlifting?

I started out with judo, then I switched to weightlifting. I was fortunate that my mom's shop was within the sports centre in Lagos; right next to the gym, so I was motivated by watching the other lifters training before I joined the sport.

What challenges did you face when you started?

There were some early hiccups and I stopped lifting for a while but then I came back again after almost a year out. Some of the challenges included kits and generally my day to day upkeep since I was unemployed.

Over time, I have been retained on contract with the state, where the money doesn't come in every month. There was a time when I didn't even have lifting boots for training that I had to train with my canvas. So many challenges. My Mom has been an enormous support system for me and doing her best to support me when I think all hope is lost and I want to give up.

What will you do to try to promote the sport and do you think you can win more fans?

Going to competitions, participating, winning, and telling people about the game. Inviting them to come and watch our training and competitions will also help to promote the game. I think having the mainstream media show and report on these competitions just like football so that people can be informed on what we do will help a lot.

Who are your role models in the sport in Nigeria and beyond?

Frankly, I don't really have a role model. I once had someone that supported and trained me but he passed away a while back. Taju Giwa was my late personal coach. He was a real pillar of strength. I dedicate my gold medal at the Commonwealth Games to his memory.

I will also acknowledge the support from the Director General (DG), Lagos State Sports Commission and some of the members, and the Special Assistant (SA) to the DG

My mom is a huge role model for me. I am a definition of grace because I have decided to stop weightlifting twice due to pressure. God, my mom and late coach Taju have always been there for me.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivational factor is that I'm really interested and passionate about weightlifting. I started very young and I always want to do better. I want to win all medals, from continental, world championships, Olympics and now I'm an African record holder and a Commonwealth record holder. I'm looking forward to the Olympics Paris 2024 Games.

Do you think women's weightlifting as a sport is popular in Nigeria?

Weightlifting is popular in Nigeria and some African countries but it's popular among men because there are many times I talk to women about the game and they will be like "I don't want to be like a boy, I don't want to develop muscles", they say a lot of things and some of them are being discouraged by their parents as well.

What are your expectations for Paris 2024?

My expectations are to continue to excel. I need all the support I can get from the ministry, my federation and also from myself. We have to qualify so I'm looking forward to support from the ministry and funding. A training camp outside Nigeria will also help to develop us and help us attain better performances at the Olympics.

By Bakare Ummukulthoum