Didih remembers late mother after winning weightlifting gold

Commonwealth Games gold medalist Onome Didih has shared how her late mother helped her in weightlifting. She remembers how her mother introduced her to the sport and bought her first kit, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Didih won the women’s 53kg weightlifting title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. She said her mother’s support in the early days of her career is a big part of her success.

“My story of how I got attracted to weightlifting is a very long one because it was my mum that took me to the sports centre,” Didih said.

“She spoke to someone who was also a weightlifter and asked how I could go about it. The person directed her, and she took me there.

“My first kit in weightlifting was bought for me by my mum. She was in full support of me starting the sport, together with my dad.”

Didih added that this win is especially meaningful because her mother always wanted to see her win medals but is not around to celebrate with her.

“She is no more, but she’s still resting in perfect peace because it has always been her joy seeing me win medals in competitions,” she said.

When asked how her mother would have reacted to her becoming a Commonwealth Games champion, Didih said, “I’m sure she would be so proud of me. That would be very, very nice.”

Didih showed great strength in Glasgow. She set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total categories to win gold in the women’s 53kg event.

She lifted 93kg in the snatch and followed it up with 113kg in the clean and jerk. Her total of 206kg made this a record-breaking achievement.

This victory is a big moment in Didih’s career and a heartfelt tribute to the woman who guided her into the world of weightlifting.