Nigerian weightlifter, Usman wins bronze in Russia

Maryam Usman

Nigerian female weightlifter, Maryam Usman put up a spectacular performance at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF)’s President’s Cup held in Russia over the weekend to win bronze in the event.

Usman finished third on the final results table of the championship with 253 score in the women’s +75kg event. She lifted a 113kg weight in the snatch event and a 140 weight in the clean and jerk.

With a body weight of 124.58kg, Usman finished behind table leader, Tatiana Kashirina of Russia that scored a total of 280 after lifting 125kg and 155 kg respectively in the two events and Praeonapa Khenjantuek of Thailand that finished second with a score of 254 from lifts of 114 and 140 in the two events.

Usman won the same hue of medal in the same category at the World Championships held in Paris, France in 2011 but was denied a medal at London 2012 Olympics by injury.

For her performance, Usman received 2000 dollars prize money and was presented with her award on Sunday night in the closing ceremony and gala night that ended the event.

Usman’s compatriot, Bilikis Otunla did not have it as good. She missed out of the Women’s 75kg event after scoring 200 from an 85kg lift in the snatch and 115 in the clean and jerk. She finished fourth behind Russian duo of Olga Zubova and Ekaterina Katina that finished first and second respectively and China’s Huixian Lan that finished third.

Otunla and Usman, who were Nigeria’s only representatives to the championship, are expected back in the country soon. They were preparing for departure as at the time of filing this report.