Didih Credits Hard Work, Faith For Commonwealth Games 2026 Success

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigerian weightlifter Onome Didih has attributed her achievements at the Commonwealth Games 2026 to resilience, hard work, and consistency over the years.

Didih, who won gold in the weightlifting category said her success in the multi-sport event marked a new chapter in her career.

“I’m still very happy and excited, because this was my first appearance at an international Games. I’ve been to some other international competitions, but they were all championships,” Didih said.

“So, this year’s Commonwealth Games was my first multiple sports competition. It was my first experience of an international Games and I’m very happy that I returned home with a gold medal.”

The weightlifter revealed she had long set her sights on the Commonwealth Games podium and adjusted every aspect of her preparation to make it happen.

“I’ve always wanted to be at the Commonwealth Games and to be on the podium. I was so serious about winning something there, and I really worked hard for it.

“I changed my training approach and adjusted everything about my lifestyle in my preparation. I just wanted to do well at the Commonwealth Games, and I’m happy that God made it possible.”

Despite her determination, Didih said she approached the decisive lift with a clear and focused mind.

“Although I was determined to win a medal, there wasn’t much going through my mind as I stepped out to lift the weight. I was not thinking of setting any record.

“I just stepped forward to do what I was used to doing normally. I have done it at previous competitions. This was not my first competition, and I just focused on doing it the way I normally did it.

“The only thing I watched carefully this time was my body weight. There was nothing like fear or anxiety in me before going for the weight that gave me the gold medal.”