The only weightlifter that represented Nigeria at Rio has said she has lost the urge to represent Nigeria at international events.
Mariam Usman, pictured above, left the shores of Nigeria for Brazil, the Commonwealth medallist in the +75kg in weightlifting knowing fully well that winning a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics would be a tough call.
She would not pretend to be a magician nor claim perfection where there is none. Usman believes one can only reap where one sows.
She competed in the +75 category, amassed 265 kg and finished 8th in her group. While speaking to reporters at the Games Village in Rio, Usman said:
“It is painful to come to the Olympics and see people who are your contemporaries perform better than you; not because you lack the ability but because you were not prepared like them,” she said, “For me, it is not just about jumping unto the plane every four years to go to the Olympics. Every athlete you see here wants to step on the podium. If you can’t aim to climb up there, you have no business coming to the Olympics. I can only consider going to another Olympics if things change for the better. But if the statues quo is maintained, I don’t think I will go to another Olympics again.”
She said training for the Rio Olympics was non-existent while her counterparts from other countries who are competing here in Brazil have been training for three to four years.
“Olympic gold medal doesn’t come cheap. It is painful that one has to suffer and when competition comes they expect you to win a medal with your blood. “The people you have to compete with had everything they needed: training grants, competitions and are exposed to the most modern equipment. I had nothing. You don’t expect such people who have invested so much to lose to one who don’t even train adequately.”
The African champion said before the 2012 Olympics, she had better training than she did under the current dispensation.
“Yes, I feel 2012 was better. I had better training and my result was better. This time nothing was done to better one’s performance.”
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I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 18-08-2016 06:36 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
I feel ur pain dear. I wish all other athlete will do same next 4yrs if dis pple are still in power. Let d world know dat we did not compete than to go there and embarrass d country wit so many drama.
Posted: at 18-08-2016 08:49 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
yeye talk!! so if your mama no send u to school and look after u would u look after her ?
what is this one saying? if its that easy no train...Ur kids and expect them to take care of yu....Moron!! u no buy book for pikin n u expect pikin to pass.... Mariam usman did her best....she won't kill herself cause of your country!!
Posted: at 18-08-2016 09:52 AM (8 years ago) | Hero
Slimchery at 18-08-2016 09:58 AM (8 years ago) (m)
this naija now done get as e be oooh, buhari dis na all the change u promise us because me nor come understand u again ooh as you became president everything just dey jaga jaga
Posted: at 18-08-2016 09:58 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
I am waiting for the return of D TeamNigeria, then D blame game will start & the almighty drawing board will be out RioOlympics2016 has come and gone. What a shame, failing to plan is planning to fail! We need to work our butt off the dust, knowing fully well the government don't give a damn, we shouldn't wait for them but rather do in like manner of Mikel Obi, the Japanese benefactor and others who are ready to give all in order for us to progress. One Love, One Nigeria!
Common sense is indeed not common.
Posted: at 18-08-2016 10:32 AM (8 years ago) | Hero
Mynameis1 at 18-08-2016 02:11 PM (8 years ago) (m)
Quote from: winace on 18-08-2016 08:49 AM
I feel ur pain dear. I wish all other athlete will do same next 4yrs if dis pple are still in power. Let d world know dat we did not compete than to go there and embarrass d country wit so many drama.
As if you know what's in my mind..
Posted: at 18-08-2016 02:11 PM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
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