Nigerian powerlifting star Ndukwu Sandra has expressed her delight after securing a gold medal for Team Nigeria at the 1st Central African Zone Powerlifting Competition held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, describing the achievement as the reward for years of hard work and sacrifice.
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Sandra, who competed in the women’s 84kg+ category, emerged victorious against a strong field of competitors, further establishing herself as one of Nigeria’s rising talents in strength sports.
In addition to her accomplishments in powerlifting, she is also actively involved in armwrestling and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force, showcasing her versatility and dedication to athletic excellence
Speaking with Sports247 after her triumph, Sandra said standing on the podium as a champion was a deeply rewarding experience.
“It feels very great, especially considering the fact that I worked so hard to get there,” she said.
The road to success, however, was far from easy. According to the gold medalist, months of rigorous preparation were required ahead of the competition. She revealed that her training schedule involved two sessions daily, five days a week, demanding significant physical and mental commitment.
“I trained twice a day, five times a week, and it wasn’t easy, but every step counted,” she explained.
Despite her impressive achievement, the Imo State Born athlete highlighted the financial difficulties that continue to affect many athletes competing in less-publicized sports.
She identified inadequate sponsorship as one of the biggest obstacles she faced throughout her preparation and participation in the competition.
“Powerlifting is not an easy sport. One must train really hard, eat well, and also take supplements to recover. But I couldn’t really afford all I needed. I think it’s by God’s grace that I won,” she said.
Undeterred by these challenges, Sandra remains focused on achieving greater success and earning wider recognition for her efforts.
“I won’t give up. I will keep pushing because I believe that one day everything is going to be alright. Hopefully, one day, my government will remember me and recognize me. Giving up is not an option,” she stated.
Offering advice to aspiring athletes, particularly young women, Sandra encouraged them to take action on their dreams without delay.
“If you ever want to start, start now and don’t procrastinate,” she said.
Her victory in Cameroon serves as a powerful reminder of the determination, resilience, and untapped potential that continue to define Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
