A 14-year-old weightlifter from Lagos State, Sunday Emmanuel has revealed that he aspires to win an Olympic Games gold nedal for Nigeria, but admitted he is currently being weighed down by many constraints.
Making his predicament known to sports247.ng in an exclusive interview at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Emmanuel said he would be a able to train better if a gym is located near his school in the Epe suburb of Lagos State.
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The student of Epe Grammar School also confessed that he is going through tough conditions to keep his Olympic dream alive, but enthused that he will leave the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba with a haul of medals.
Although he also confessed that the competition has been tough so far, the youngster said it has been a wonderful experience for him.
Emmanuel disclosed, “My experience in this competition is wonderful, but it has been tough because I met people who are older than me.
“There are also people who are stronger than me, and I thought that I would not win anything. But, with how I tried my best, struggled and everything that I did, I would have made up to two bronze medals.”
While basking in the euphoria of the limelight he is enjoying in the Delta State capital, Emmanuel reckoned that he would have been able to do better if he had financial support and an academic scholarship to motivate him.
“I am going to be 14 this year, and I am already aiming higher,” Emmanuel enthused, then added, “But, my preparation for this competition was not good because I am in boarding school.
“I attend Epe Grammar School, but my mummy lives in Lagos. I am able to be with her during holidays, and I will then train better there.
“That was the small chance I used for my training before coming to the Youth Games. All the same, I love this sport, because my mum and dad were in it before.”
He reiterated his love for the lifters’ sport and stressed that his chances of becoming an Olympic Games gold medalist would improve if he were to get a steady sponsor and motivator.
“I love weightlifting because, for me, it’s better than any other sport. I want to go very far and be part of the Olympics, by God’s grace.
“I would do better if I can get motivation and people that will help me in my school.
“If they can relocate me to a place where I can get more training or put a gym in my school for training, I promise to win more medals for Lagos State,” Emmanuel pledged with a tone of determination.
