By Ben Efe
Augustina Ikem Nwaokolo, the Nigerian weightlifter, who entered the history books as the first athlete to scoop gold at the 19th Commonwealth Games holding in New Delhi, India, has said that she never doubted her prowess to land the prized medal.

Nwaokolo hauled a total of 175kg in the women 48kg category, en route setting a Commonwealth Games record. Cheered on by  top Nigerian sports officials, the history maker, did not disappoint her backers as she broke the hearts of Indians, most of whom were looking up to their daughter to cart home the gold medal
Speaking to Sports Vanguard, Nwaokolo, said that hard work and unflinching faith, propelled her to victory.

GOLDEN LIFT . . . Nigeria's Augustina Nkem Nwaokolo snatches a weight in the Women’s 48kg weightlifting competition during the XIX Commonwealth Games at Jawaharlal Nehru sports complex in New Delhi. Photo: AFP

“I was prepared for victory from day one. I just knew I would win the gold because I as determined and had done my homework. Nobody could have stopped me from winning the gold medal. I’m the happiest person in the world, I’m very proud”, said the 18 year-old, who was the youngest competitor in the field.

She added that her next big quest was to win gold in the 2012 Olympic Games holding in London.

“My next step is to win Gold at the next Olympics Games”