Lawal Claims Gold with Record Lifts at Commonwealth Games

Rafiatu Folashade Lawal successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title by winning the women's 58kg weightlifting gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking Nigeria's sixth gold medal of the event. Lawal, the reigning Commonwealth champion, set new Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.

She opened with a successful 90kg lift in the snatch and later lifted 103kg, establishing a nine-kilogram lead. In the clean and jerk, she lifted 126kg, finishing with a combined total of 229kg.

Canada’s Ann-Sophie Taschereau secured the silver medal with a total lift of 215kg, while Australia’s Lani Tracey took bronze with 196kg. Lawal's victory underscored Nigeria's strength in weightlifting, contributing to the country's impressive medal tally at the Games, which included three weightlifting golds.

This triumph also highlighted the effectiveness of the National Sports Commission's preparations for the competition.