AFN National Trials: African Discus Champion, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons Targets Medal At World Athletics Championships

After successfully defending her title on Day 1 of the ongoing athletics National triaks at the play ground of Yaba College of Technology, Discus thrower, Chioma Onyekwere Lyons says her target is to have a podium finish at the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

The reigning African record holder won her third national title with a throw of 60.74m to defeat her closest rival,Obiageri Amaechi, who placed second with 59.39m, while Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha came third with a throw of 40.95m.

Speaking shortly after her victory, she expressed happiness with her performance noting that her target now is to improve on her performance before hostilities begins at the World Championship.
” Prior to the trials, my target was to throw 60m which I have done many times this year with few throws under 50m. Though I couldn’t meet that target, but am highly excited defending my title”, she stated

Reflecting on her journey, the discus champion, highlighted major career milestones, including reclaiming the African record in 2022, competing in two Olympic Games, and participating in the Diamond League.

“At this stage, my only remaining goal is to win a medal at the World Championship or Olympics and I’m working seriously towards that.

Chioma who despite her achievements, is not happy that she sponsors herself with the little profits she makes as an Engineer even as she craves for corporate sponsorship to enable her achieve her set target

” My only problem right now is lack of corporate sponsorship which has been affecting my training. I sponsor myself with the little money I make working as an Engineer. I’m appealing to corporate organisations for sponsorship as is done in other climes and once I can get that, winning a medal at either the world championship or the Olympics will not be difficult”, she sounded with confidence.