Para-lifter Helen Wawira was elevated in spirits after winning a gold bronze medal, first Kenyan medal outside athletics in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Wawira managed a massive 95kg on her first attempt which was good and second time round she did a 97kg which was even better but her third attempt on a 99kg became a mission impossible, hence the bronze.
“I prayed time and time again for the medal and I’m happy that God has made my dream a reality. I prayed asking God to help me overcome what became impossible in Tokyo and I’m glad I have entered the annals of para-lifting history. It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Wawira said after winning the bronze medal in Birmingham.
Wawira added, “We have really trained hard and gave our all in training. Getting a medal against Europeans is not a mean achievement. I wish to thank my fans who have prayed for me and supported me through and through. The medal has motivated me to go for more in future,” Wawira, who is based in Embu said.
National team head Coach David Omondi attributed the good performance owing to consistent training.
“Our target from the onset was gold, but I thank God we are not leaving Birmingham empty handed. We racked up a bronze medal. Now there will be no two ways about it, its heavy training all the way to ensure we deliver the Paris 2024 Olympics gold,” the coach stated.
According to Coach Omondi, the first attempt of the lift was all about playing safe.
“I had analysed her potential and could make decisions on the choice of weights. Even if she was not able to lift the 97, she was well on the medal bracket, for us it was just a critical balancing act to remain in the medal bracket.”