Ghana’s Winnifred Ntumi has made her country proud by securing its first medals at the ongoing African Games in Accra. The 21-year-old weightlifter claimed a gold and two silvers in the women’s 49-kilogramme category.
Ntumi’s victories came in the 49-kilogramme Snatch and the 49-kilogramme Clean and Jerk categories, where she won silver medals. She also clinched a gold in the overall 49kg category. Her performance in the Snatch category earned her second place behind Mauritius’ Sheridane Pasnin. In the Clean & Jerk category, Tunisia’s Wada claimed gold, with Ntumi close behind.
With a total tally of 144, Ntumi’s outstanding performance earned her the gold medal overall in the 49-kilogramme category. These achievements add to her impressive track record, having previously won three bronze medals in the women’s 45kg events at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco.
At just 16 years old in 2019, she also secured a bronze medal in the women’s 49kg bodyweight at the Africa Seniors Weightlifting Championship in Cairo, Egypt. Despite facing challenges, including a lack of employment that almost led her to quit the sport in June 2020, Ntumi has remained dedicated to her sport.
Her success serves as an inspiration for other athletes and a testament to the resilience and determination of Ghana’s sportspeople. As the African Games continue, we look forward to more outstanding performances from Ghana’s athletes.
Source: Graphic Online
