Obiero targets podium finish in Glasgow

What you need to know:

  • The 34-year-old Obiero finished seventh at 2006 Melbourne and fifth at the 2010 Delhi Games.
  • Obiero, who was the country’s only representative in weightlifting at the 2012 London Olympic Games, said she aims to carry on before quitting after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Kenya’s first female weightlifting Olympian Mercy Obiero is aiming for victory on her fourth appearance at the 20th Commonwealth Games that started on Wednesday in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 34-year-old Obiero, who was easily dismissed on her debut at the 2002 Manchester Games, finished seventh at 2006 Melbourne and fifth at the 2010 Delhi Games.

“I didn’t perform well in Manchester because of stage fright but my graph tremendously improved in Melbourne and Delhi after I worked on my lifting techniques,” said Obiero who will feature in the 69kgs snatch and clean-and-jack competitions. “I am at my peak now. My focus on winning a medal in Glasgow.”

Obiero, who was the country’s only representative in weightlifting at the 2012 London Olympic Games, said she aims to carry on before quitting after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

'FIRST THINGS FIRST'

“I am dreaming of the Olympic medal but first things first, I need to set the stage with victory in Glasgow,” explained Obiero, who was inspired to be a weightlifter by his elder brother, former Kenyan international David Obiero.

Obiero was part of the weightlifting team of five contestants and two officials that left the country on July 15 for the Club Games.

Others are James Adede, Webster Lukose, Stephen Opondo and Arthur Oyim.

Kenya was represented by only three weightlifters at the 2010 Delhi Games Obiero, Adede and Duke Onyoti.

Adede, 25, will compete in the 105kg category, up from 94kg, during the Glasgow Games.

“Delhi was a great experience for me but I have since worked on my lifting techniques. I am aiming on nothing short of a medal bracket in Glasgow,” said Adede.