Wawira lifts 97kg to give Kenya bronze in para powerlifting

Kenya earned a first off track medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham after paralifter Hellen Wawira clinched gold in the lightweight category. 

Wawira edged out India’s Manpreet Kaur for the bronze after she lifted 97kg. Paur surrendered the battle after lifting up to 88kg. 

Wawira started with 95kg before lifting the 97kg, she would later try out the 99kg weight but it proved too much for her thereby settling for bronze in a mean weight of 98.5kg.

“I am thankful because getting this bronze was not easy. I came here praying to get any kind of medal. I had always wished to get a Commonwealth medal. I have been training hard and I am delighted this has come to pass,” Wawira said after the famous victory.

Kenya has so far, a total of eight medals; 1 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze and will be looking to add more medals on Friday in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final.

• Commonwealth Games
• Hellen Wawira