Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, the reigning Commonwealth discus champion, is contemplating a remarkable dual-sport participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she wishes to compete in both athletics and weightlifting. As the current African record holder in discus, her recent shift toward Olympic weightlifting stems from an aspiration to achieve a historic milestone in her sporting career. However, her participation in this unprecedented endeavor is contingent on obtaining the necessary approvals and meeting qualification requirements.

In her recent statements, Onyekwere-Lyons expressed her intent to undertake this dual challenge during the upcoming Commonwealth Games, with the hope that the Nigerian sports authorities will permit her participation in both disciplines. She emphasized the significance of her goal, stating that achieving success in two sports concurrently would not only fulfill her personal ambitions but also set a new precedent in the history of the Games. At 31, this athlete is determined to make her mark and is actively pursuing the permissions needed to make this ambitious dream a reality.

Her rich background and international representation for Nigeria, despite having been born in the United States, adds an interesting layer to her narrative. As discussions around the approval for her dual-sport participation unfold, the implications of her potential involvement could inspire future athletes to explore versatility in sports, paving the way for more multi-disciplinary participation in major sporting events.