OMM Newsroom
Azerbaijani weightlifter Rahil Huseynzade has assessed her performance at the European Championships for under-23 and junior athletes held in Albania in October. The 23-year-old won two silver and one bronze medal at the event.
Huseynzade said she was proud to be among the first Azerbaijani women to win a medal in this age category, but was not fully satisfied with her result. She said her goal had been to become champion. Describing her medals as a new beginning and a source of motivation, she said she believed she would be better prepared for upcoming competitions.
How she took up weightlifting
The athlete became interested in the sport after watching her brother train. Her selection for the national team, participation in international competitions and exchange of experience with foreign athletes further increased her interest.
Huseynzade said weightlifting was not widely practised by women in Azerbaijan and that more people opposed it than supported it. She said some people told her the sport was unsuitable for women and could stunt their growth or cause various problems. She said it was disappointing that some people lost faith in an athlete after an unsuccessful result.
Upcoming tournaments are her focus
Huseynzade, who now also competes among senior athletes, said the competition in that category was tougher. She is focused on competitions in 2027, particularly those that award qualifying points for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Her main goal is to win medals at those events.
