By ABEOKUTA – The ongoing National Sports Festival at the MKO Abiola Stadium has delivered a heartwarming and historic moment as a mother and daughter duo, Ronke and Florence Olarinoye, both claimed medals for Lagos State in the women’s weightlifting event.
Ronke Olarinoye, the matriarch of the family, led by example, lifting her way to a gold medal in the 45kg snatch category with a 65kg lift, and securing a silver medal for her overall performance, finishing second with a combined total lift of 140kg.
Her daughter, Florence Olarinoye, followed closely in her mother’s footsteps, earning a silver medal in the overall lifts in the 59kg category, competing fiercely against top-tier athletes including the seasoned Folashade Rafiatu Lawal.
But the Olarinoyes’ weightlifting legacy doesn’t end there.
Florence is the niece of Adijat Olarinoye, a household name in Nigerian weightlifting, who famously won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ronke is Adijat’s elder sister, firmly establishing the family as a powerhouse in the sport.
Spectators and fellow athletes were moved by the rare display of intergenerational excellence.
The Olarinoyes’ achievements highlight not only personal dedication but the enduring strength of familial support in Nigeria’s sporting development.
As the National Sports Festival continues, the story of Ronke and Florence adds a unique chapter—one of legacy, perseverance, and the shared glory of mother and daughter standing on the podium together.
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