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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Sean Ingle at the SEC Armadillo

Madias Ngake’s real-life movie script ends with weightlifting silver after sleeping rough

Madias Ngake acknowledges the crowd during the medal ceremony for the women's 87kg weightlifting.
Madias Ngake said ‘I never believed that I would ever be here’ after her silver medal in the women’s 87kg competition. Photograph: François Nel/Getty Images

First Madias Ngake lifted the weight of an upright piano to her shoulders. Then, with another staggering act of power and defiance, she sent a 128kg barbell high above her head.

And, just like that, the 34-year-old Team England weightlifter had won a silver medal and written one of the most remarkable stories of these Games.

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