I Won’t Represent Nigeria Again If Things Are Not Done Differently

Nigeria's weightlifter Maryam Usman has alleged that Nigeria is not ready to win Olympic medals.

In her words: ''I am proud to have represented my country Nigeria and also proud to have represented my family.'' ''Even though I may not have really done what I planned to do. I appreciate God for making me go through the competition injury-free.''

''So, that I think is the ultimate; I really thank God. The competition was fine. I really don’t talk about it because it makes me so emotional''.''

Reacting to claims that Nigerian athletes do well when they prepare well, Usman said ''I disagree with that. This is an event people have been preparing for, for four years. You just can’t jump in within a month and half to the Games thinking you can beat those who have been training for more than four years. It’s just not possible; let’s not even think about it.''

The athlete also disclosed "After my event I was talking to my coach and I said to him, if this is how things will continue; if this is the way Nigeria will continue to prepare for major events, then I don’t think I can continue to be a part of it. It is frustrating because you can’t just keep coming to the Olympic Games and keep getting the same result.''

''You can’t have a new result doing the same thing; if you desire a new result then you have to do things differently. So if things will change I might give it a try but if it is going to continue like this, I don’t want to stress myself anymore. I can’t endure this kind of arrangement anymore.''

Pointing out some technical and administrative issues: ''Actually there were a lot of problems but it’s just that you can’t be talking about everything right now. But really, I hope that the next Games do not turn out like this one. I want to appeal to whoever is in charge to please do a better job and get the athletes well prepared for the Olympics. There should be better preparations, there should be more encouragement. These athletes were competing with those that had it all. You don’t just come out of the blues to compete with people who have been training for four years. They worked and so they earned whatever they got here. It’s simply hard work. But we are trying to get on the medals table with tears and blood; with everything and it hurts if it doesn’t really work out. It’s painful.''