INTERVIEW: Rafiat Lawal opens up on title defence, Olympic ambitions and Nigeria’s weightlifting revival

Rafiat Lawal has solidified her standing as a premier Nigerian athlete by successfully defending her Commonwealth Games weightlifting title in Glasgow, also setting a new Games record. Her victory underscores Nigeria's growing prominence in the sport.

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For me, seeing a big crowd like that really motivates me. Let me just say it really motivates me.

In an interview following her win, Lawal shared her thoughts on the electrifying arena atmosphere, describing the crowd's energy as a significant motivator. She detailed her demanding preparation, which involved training at home before moving to national camps, acknowledging the difficulty but ultimate success of the process.

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It’s a competition, so no one can decide how it’s going to go. At first, it scared me a little, but later I adjusted.

Lawal spoke about the crucial role of emotional support from teammates and fans, noting how their encouragement lifts her spirit. She also addressed her Olympic ambitions, revealing a potential shift in weight categories due to her current one not being an Olympic event. Lawal expressed confidence that her recent success fuels her drive toward the Olympics, emphasizing that persistent effort brings one closer to their goals.

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In sports generally, we need people to motivate us and make the atmosphere lively before anything. In our sport, I love the way people shout because it lifts my spirit and motivates me even more.

The weightlifter also touched upon her signature celebration, which drew comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's. While she was practicing it independently, she found the comparison with a renowned athlete inspiring. Lawal believes that increased support from the National Sports Commission has been instrumental in Nigeria's recent achievements in weightlifting, signaling a revival for the sport in the country.

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Like I said then, hard work pays. The more you keep pushing, the more you get closer to your goals. I will keep pushing towards the Olympics.