A Nigerian athlete won a gold medal at the ongoing National Sports Festival, which happens every two years in the country. But what’s more impressive is that she is eight-month pregnant while winning it.
Aminat Idrees, 26 and visibly pregnant won in the Mixed Poomsae category in Taekwondo. Organizers described her achievements as “inspiring.”
Idrees, who could be seen in footage shared on Twitter demonstrating different combat techniques, also picked up other medals in a non-combat simulated category of Taekwondo known as Poomsae.
The athlete said that she feels elated by her accomplishment at the event which took place in Edo State.
“It’s such a privilege for me. I just decided to give it a try after training a couple of times… It feels really good. Before I got pregnant, I have always enjoyed training, so it didn’t seem different with pregnancy.” Aminat Idrees.
Idrees said many of her critics are unaware of the various forms of Taekwondo.
She explained that a lot of people don’t understand what Taekwondo is actually about. Competitions like this are an avenue to educate people more about the sport.
“Taekwondo has two branches: the combat sport and Poomsae — which is a form of exercise…just displaying the hand and leg techniques in Taekwondo. I participated in the Poomsae event,” she further added. She also confirmed that her doctor affirmed her to be fit for the non-contact sport.
The chairman of the organizing committee, Philip Shaibu, said “She was certified and cleared to participate. She had also been training for months prior to her participation in the tournament.”