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15-Year-Old Florence Olarinoye balanced her Silver medal win with WAEC exams after winning medal with her mother
Lagos weightlifting sensation, Florence Olarinoye, has proven that resilience and determination know no age limits, as she returned to school for her 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) just hours after clinching a silver medal at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The 15-year-old student of Lagos City College secured silver for Team Lagos in the women’s 59kg clean and jerk on Monday, lifting 59kg in a highly competitive field that included national champion and festival veteran, Folashade Lawal.
Florence, who is attending her second National Sports Festival, previously won bronze at the 21st edition held in Asaba, Delta State.
This year, she not only returned stronger in a new category but did so while juggling academic commitments that would overwhelm many.
In a touching twist to her NSF journey, Florence shared the weightlifting podium with her mother, Ronke Olarinoye, who made headlines after claiming the first gold medal of the 2024 Games in the women’s 45kg snatch category.
Ronke lifted 65kg to win gold and added a silver after placing second overall with a total lift of 140kg.
The mother-daughter duo’s performances exemplify the spirit of family, discipline, and excellence in Nigerian sports. With her sights set on both academic success and a career in medicine, Florence Olarinoye has not only lifted weights but also the hopes of young girls across the country striving to excel in both education and sports.
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