The 22-year-old weightlifter broke a record at the Glasgow 2026 Games, marking her first appearance at a major multi-sport international event.
Nigerian weightlifting sensation Onome Omolola Didih has pulled back the curtain on the pivotal elements that propelled her to a gold medal and a new record in the women’s 53kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Her remarkable achievement has captivated sports fans globally.
The 22-year-old athlete attributed her success to a powerful combination of unwavering determination, rigorous extra training, and a significant shift in her personal lifestyle during her intense preparation for the Games. These factors, she explained, were crucial in shaping her path to victory.
Didih, who made her international debut for Nigeria in 2024, shared these insights during the popular ‘Athlete’s Corner’ segment of Sports247 Nigeria’s television program, Inside Naija Sports, according to reporting by Sports247 Nigeria.
A Historic First for the Nigerian Champion
For Didih, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games held special significance. Despite having competed in other international events, this marked her inaugural appearance at a major multi-sports competition. Her previous outings included winning three gold medals at the African Weightlifting Championship in Egypt earlier in the same year, and a fifth-place finish at the 2024 World Weightlifting Championship in Bahrain.
Expressing her elation, Didih stated, “I’m still very happy and excited, because this was my first appearance at an international Games. I’ve been to some other international competitions, but they were all championships. So, this year’s Commonwealth Games was my first multiple sports competition. It was my first experience of an international Games and I’m very happy that I returned home with a gold medal.”
Unseen Efforts: Training and Lifestyle Transformation
The journey to the podium was built on substantial personal sacrifices, as Didih reflected on her meticulous preparation for Glasgow 2026. She revealed that excelling at this elite level had been a long-held dream, driving her to make fundamental changes to her daily routine and habits.
“I’ve always wanted to be at the Commonwealth Games and to be on the podium. I was so serious about winning something there, and I really worked hard for it,” Didih recounted. She further added, “I changed my training approach and adjusted everything about my lifestyle in my preparation. I just wanted to do well at the Commonwealth Games, and I’m happy that God made it possible.”
Composure Under Pressure: The Mindset of a Gold Medalist
Despite her fierce determination to secure a medal, Didih described a remarkable sense of calm and focus as she stepped onto the platform for her gold-medal-winning lift. She emphasized that her primary focus was on executing her routine flawlessly, drawing on her extensive experience from previous competitions rather than succumbing to pressure.
“Although I was determined to win a medal, there wasn’t much going through my mind at I stepped out to lift the weight. I was not thinking of setting any record,” she explained. “I just focused on doing it the way I normally did it. The only thing I watched carefully this time was my body weight. There was nothing like fear or anxiety in me before going for the weight that gave me the gold medal.” Her disciplined approach ensured that her performance was a testament to her consistent training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Onome Didih?
Onome Omolola Didih is a 22-year-old Nigerian weightlifter who won a gold medal and set a new record in the women’s 53kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
What did Onome Didih win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Onome Didih secured a gold medal and established a new record in the women’s 53kg weightlifting category during her first appearance at an international multi-sports competition, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
What “secret factors” did Onome Didih reveal for her success?
Onome Didih attributed her Commonwealth Games success to three main factors: unwavering determination, engaging in extra training sessions, and implementing a significant change in her lifestyle during her preparation.
When did Onome Didih make her international debut?
Onome Didih made her international debut for Nigeria in 2024, competing in events such as the African Weightlifting Championship, where she won three gold medals, and the World Weightlifting Championship, where she placed fifth.
Where did Onome Didih reveal her success secrets?
Onome Didih shared her secrets to success during the ‘Athlete’s Corner’ segment of the Inside Naija Sports television program, produced by Sports247 Nigeria and aired on NTA News 24 and streamed via YouTube.