The Nigeria Power Lifting Federation (NPLF) on Friday confirmed the death of Joy Onaolapo, a 52kg Paralympian gold medalist at the London 2012 Paralympics.

The Head Coach of the federation, Are Feyisetan, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that Onaolapo’s death was made known to the federation on July 26.

Feyisetan said that the federation had yet to be fully briefed on the cause of the death of the athlete, who was with the Edo State Sport Council.

“What we know so far is that Onaolapo, married with two children, died last week in her home state, Edo,’’ Feyisetan said.

He said that the federation was trying to contact her family through the state sports council for burial plans.

Meanwhile, a power lifting Coach, Ijeoma Iheriobim, has described late Onaolapo as a committed and diligent athlete.

Iheriobim said in Lagos that Onaolapo’s dedication was worthy of emulation.

The coach described the death as a great loss to the power lifting family.

According to Iheriobim, the federation shelved its training on July 26 at the National Stadium, Lagos, as a mark of respect for the deceased.

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