Weightlifter Olarinonye appointed to Athletes Commission

Nigerian weightlifter, Adenike Olarinoye has been appointed as member of the Athlete’s Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

A statement from Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Thursday said the appointment was approved at an ANOCA forum held in Algiers, Algeria.

Nezianya also quoted NOC Secretary-General, Tunde Poopola, in a congratulatory message that Olarinoye’s exploit in weightlifting earned her the international appointment.

“There’s no doubt that your appointment is a pride to you but the NOC as well and improve your personal growth generally in sports.

“Once again and on behalf of members of the Olympic Family, we praise this outstanding achievement,” the statement quoted Poopola as saying.

Olarinoye who is of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, represented Nigeria at the 2019 African Games which is her maiden African Games appearance.

She claimed three medals including two gold medals and silver medal in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting event.

The athlete also created a new African record in weightlifting in the clean and jerk category by lifting 116 kg during the 2019 African Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK she won the gold medal with two new Commonwealth Games Records, 92kg in snatch and 203 kg overall.