Team Nigeria’s hopes for a medal at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games were dashed on Friday evening when weightlifter Joy Eze missed out on the podium.
The 2023 Africa Games champion entered the weightlifting event at the South Paris Arena with high hopes of earning a medal for Nigeria. Weightlifting enthusiasts believe that with proper and sustained training and exposure, she will be a strong contender in the Los Angeles Olympic Games four years from now.
Despite her efforts, Joy’s lifts of 101kg in the snatch and 131kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 231kg, were not enough to secure a medal. She concluded her campaign in 7th place.
USA’s Olivia Reeves won gold, setting a new Olympic record with a 117kg snatch. She also lifted 145kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 262kg. Colombia’s Mari Leivis Sanchez claimed silver with a 112kg snatch and a 145kg clean and jerk, totaling 257kg. Ecuador’s Angie Paola Palacios Dajomes took bronze with a 116kg snatch and a 140kg clean and jerk, totaling 256kg.
Additionally, Joy’s compatriot, Rafiatu Lawal, who competed in the 59kg Women’s class, finished in 5th place. She lifted a total of 230kg, comprising 100kg in the snatch and 130kg in the clean and jerk.