Weightlifter Rachel Achieng’ lamented how her lack of experience cost her a slot on the podium at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
In a competition that saw Canada’s Maude Charron win with 231 points, Achieng’ wounded up 11th with 155 point. Australia’s Sarah Cochrane was second with 216 points while Nigeria’s Islamiyat Yusuf followed with 212 points.
Achieng said the other competitors had more experience which played to her disadvantage. Unlike her opponents, who have graced a number of Club Games, Achieng was making her debut in the Commonwealth Games.
“I thank God I made it here and competed among the world's best. I now know what to expect in the future and I am happy to have posted my personal best,” Achieng’ said.
The 17-year-old is planning to make amends and bounce back stronger in the upcoming assignments. “I hope to post a better performance next time. I also want to work on my clean, jerk, and snatch and perfect my lifts,” she said.
The youngster attested that sharing the stage with big names was a daunting experience for her but she also picked some lessons from the championships.
“The experience here was quite scary. Though, I have learned that I have to be mentally strong…there is no reason to be intimidated by my competitors. This far I have come shows I can compete on the same footing with my opponents,” she said.
Next in line for Achieng' will be the All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana next year and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
