Joyce Wambui wins Bronze in powerlifting

Joyce Wambui Njuguna yesterday won bronze medal in powerlifting at the Clyde Auditorium Powerlifting Centre here.

Wambui, a 38-year-old from Kiambu, finished third after finishing third in women’s heavy weight. Weighing 70.13kg, Wambui recorded 70.0kg in the first attempt then 75.0kg in second attempt before 80.0kg in third attempt to win the bronze medal in a cumulative 68.6kg.

Obiji Loveline, weighing 83.58kg, of Nigeria lifted a cumulative 122.4kg in 30.0kg, 140.0kg and 144.0kg in the three attempts as her team mate Omolayo Bose, who weighs 74.14kg, bagged silver after lifting 113.4kg in 125.0kg, 127.0kg and 132.0kg respectively.

Australia’s Gray Jessica, who weighs, 63.25kg, lifted 57.3kg in 60.0kg, 64.0kg and 72.0kg to finish fourth as 67.75kg’s Kyalimpa Vaster of Uganda lifted did not make the all the attempts.

Wambui had participated internationally and had not made the national team raised Kenya hopes. Sports Principal Secretary Patrick Omutie congratulated her, asking the media to sensitise the parasports as it can win Kenya medals equally as the abled.

“That’s a good show. The Government will in future focus on a few areas that wins Kenyan medals. We better concentrate on those ones well,” he said.

Omutie dispelled claims that international allowances were delayed. “The allowances were not delay and it’s not a condition that we must pay. It’s just an extra comfort for the athletes after we have provided all the other necessities. It’s not that the Government were under pressure from the athletes to pay. No, we pay because we made a commitment for it. It was budgeted for,” he said.

There have been claims from athletes and team officials that the games kits were delayed. Stephen Arap Soi, the chief de mission, said National Olympic Committee spent Sh6.6 million in clearing the kit at the airport.

“Most of the ceremonial kits are sourced and purchased by Noc-k. The athletes came with all the track suits and the ceremonial kits. We have learned a lesson and have already ordered for the All Africa Games. Nike, our sponsor, does not provide some apparels like headgears, cycling uniform and even the judo kit. The Government has to facilitate their purchase,” he said.

Omutie addressed the media at the Athletes Village Press Centre, where Noc-k President Kipchoge Keino, director of administration at the Ministry of Sports Wenslas Ong’ayo, deputy chief de mission Tegla Loroupe, Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch and Sports Secretary Japhter Rugut.