Rafiatu Lawal says she is battling with a mixture of the emotions as she ended up fifth in the weightlifting competition of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Lawal told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday at the Paris South Arena that she was both sad and happy at the end of her performance.

She placed fifth in the women’s 59 kilogramme event with a total of 230, made up of 100 snatch score and 130 in clean jerk.

It was a result which placed her well away from the medal positions, even though she was ahead of six others in the 12-lifter field.

‘I feel bad though, because I really worked hard to get here and perform well for a good result.

‘In fact, I have done more here (in Paris) than I ever did during the preparations.

‘And I am sad because I could have done better, if my result in the snatch had been better. I had laid my hopes in achieving a good result in the snatch,’ Lawal said.

However, she said she was happy she had competed well and finished without injuries, with the future holding ou
t more for her.

‘I am happy that I didn’t come here by my power but by God’s plans for me, and I have done my bit with no injuries after.

‘I thank God for everything, and I will utilise the lessons of this outing to do better in future competitions,’ the 27-year-old said.

She however acknowledged that she was still grateful to God in view of Paris 2024 being her first Olympics.

‘The Olympics is always a different ball game and I am happy and thank God for my performance.

‘Now, it is only God that will determine my next plan.’

Lawal however said she was grateful for all the support she received in the course of getting to where she was by now.

‘I must say a big ‘thank you’ to all who have supported me with their prayers and all other things. I appreciate you all and may God bless you all,’ she said.

Source : News Agency of Nigeria