I wish my mum was here to see me win Gold – Commonwealth Champion, Didi

I wish my mum was here to see me win Gold – Commonwealth Champion, Didi

Newly crowned Commonwealth Games weightlifting champion, Onome Omolara Didi says winning gold for Nigeria was a dream come true, but admitted the moment was bittersweet because her late mother was not alive to witness her greatest sporting achievement.

Speaking after claiming gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Nigerian weightlifter became emotional as she reflected on the role her mother played in shaping her career, saying she could only imagine how proud she would have been.

"This moment is very emotional for my dad because my mum is no longer with us. I know he must have been watching and wishing she was there beside him to celebrate this achievement. I only wish she were here to share this special moment with us."

Didi recalled how her mother constantly encouraged her to remain committed to the sport, even on days when she felt like skipping training.

"When I was younger, there were days I didn't feel like going to training. I just wanted to stay in bed and rest, but my mum would wake me up and insist that I went. She always told me that all the sacrifices would pay off one day. Today, I have represented Nigeria on one of the biggest stages and won gold at my first Commonwealth Games. I just wish she was here to celebrate it with me, but life happens."

Despite her Commonwealth triumph, Didi said her focus has already shifted to the Olympic Games, where she hopes to win Nigeria another historic medal.

"The Olympics is my next target. It won't be easy, but I believe I can win a medal with the support of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, the National Sports Commission and my teammates. I will continue to work hard to make Nigeria proud."