Onyeka Azike

Onyeka Azike first started her weightlifting career at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and won a silver medal in the women's 53 kg division at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.[4][5][6] She then chose to participate in the 2010 World Weightlifting Championships and the Commonwealth Games Women's 48 – 53 kg category, winning a silver medal. When interviewed by a reporter, Azike urged more women to develop their talents in the sport, saying most young girls that are interested in weightlifting nurse the fear that they might not be able to have children. She also stated that a large number of female weightlifters are now mothers and have won laurels for their states and the nation at various national and international competitions.

"Women are really making waves in sports generally but particularly in weightlifting. I advise the young girls out there to come out and showcase their skills and maintain the standard.

"A lot of us have been able to make the country proud at various major games and some of us have had children, even after our participation at the competitions.

"There is no doubt; weightlifting requires lots of training which results to building of muscles, but even at that, it doesn't stop them from having children."[7]