ameroon will be represented in weightlifting at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics Games by two athletes namely; Minkoumba Petit David and Fouodji Sonkbou Archangeline in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, thanks to the two Olympic spots clinched by the country during the African championship in Yaounde which also served as the qualifying event for the world’s greatest sports jamboree.
David Minkoumba won two silver medals during the African championship comforting his position as the best placed Cameroonian on the world ranking which earned him his selection for the Olympics as opposed to Essama Owona who in his debut with the national selection won three gold medals in the 105kg category in that competition.
Minkoumba Petit David emerged vice African championship in the African Games in Brazzaville. He will be in his first participation at the Olympics.
Fouodji Archangeline Sonkbou on her part emerged to the limelight during the African championship in Yaounde where she thrilled the public by winning three gold medals.
That performance contributed immensely to Cameroon’s clinching of one of the four available spots. She was also vice African champion at the African Games in Brazzaville.
The only blot of escutcheon on her performance is that lack of much international experience which she could make up with her tenacity and courage. Like Petit David, she will also be in her first participation at the Olympics.
During the flag award ceremony to the Cameroon Olympic Team by the Prime Minister, both athletes declared they were fired up and ready to defend the national colours till the last drop of their blood.