By Erick Ochieng’
Kenya’s sole weightlifter to the London Olympics Mercy Obiero has changed weights from 63kg to 69kg ahead of the games.
Obiero has decided to swap weights following a reprieve by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) allowing the women contestants to freely choose the weights they are comfortable with irrespective of their qualification categories for the Olympics.
Obiero participated in the 63kg during the Africa and Olympics qualifiers that were held in Kenya in February.
“My normal weight is 69kg, but I was forced to shed five extra kilos during the Olympics qualifiers to my advantage that finally paid off, but I am thankful to IWF for the reprieve. I am glad to be back to 69kg again. This is the category I competed in during the Commonwealth Games in 2010 where I finished fifth overall,” said Obiero who travelled with a team of two boxers to Bristol, England last night.
Obiero was accompanied by veteran and Kenya’s weightlifting coach John Ogola.
Following the weight gain Obiero said she has been so stable at lifting weights as compared to when her weight was reduced.
Even though the Kenya Amateur Weightlifting Association chairman Pius Ochieng’ did not accompany her to London he will coordinate with Ogola on how to handle Obiero’s scheduled. “While in Bristol Obiero will train twice a day. She will concentrate in strength work in the morning and technical work in the evening,” said Ochieng’ who is hopeful Obiero make Kenyans proud at the Olympics.
Strength work involves less repetition and more heavyweights while technical involves reduction of weights and striving for the right movements.
Ochieng’ has also drawn a schedule for Obiero at the Olympic Village.
