Esther Oyema (NGR) lifted a new world record of 126kg today on her way to becoming the first athlete to win two gold medals in powerlifting.

Oyema won women’s lightweight in Glasgow after grabbing gold in Delhi in 2010.

  • Nigeria extended its perfect record in powerlifting, winning the fifth gold medal in as many events in Commonwealth Games history.
  • Natalie Blake (ENG) took silver to hand England its first medal in women’s powerlifting and the home nation’s 141st medal at Glasgow 2014, equalling the tally it won in Delhi.
  • This was England’s first medal in powerlifting.
  • Sakina Khatun (IND) claimed bronze to win the first medal for India in powerlifting

You can find our guide to understanding Powerlifting here.

Natalie Blake (ENG) – silver

On her expectations for Glasgow 2014:
“I wasn’t expecting silver. I was just hoping to get three good lifts and let’s see what happens after that.”

On succeeding in Glasgow after being forced to withdraw from the London 2012 Olympic Games with a head injury:
“It was a bit scary competing on a big stage after bombing out in London. But I feel I’m back to form and I felt comfortable.”

On the atmosphere at Glasgow 2014:
“I liked the noise. The greater the noise, the greater my ego, which helps my lifting.”

Natalie Blake (ENG)

Natalie_blake

Type of Impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries

Impairment Details
She was born with spina bifida.
Start of sporting career
She took up the sport at age 15 in Stoke Mandeville, England.

Reason for taking up this sport
She used to compete in wheelchair racing before deciding she wanted to try something different.

Ambitions
To win a medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and to compete at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Training
She trains six times per week.

Most memorable sporting achievement
Being selected as the only female para-powerlifter to compete for England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Hero
Welsh football player Ryan Giggs.

Most influential person in career
New Zealand powerlifter George Taamaru.