AMINAT IDREES has inspired athletes the world over by winning gold at a Taekwondo event – while EIGHT-MONTHS pregnant.
The 26-year-old described her triumph at Nigeria's National Sports Festival as a 'privilege'.
Despite being expecting, she took part in a few training sessions and felt ready to compete.
Medical professionals gave Idrees the green light to showcase her abilities.
She competed in the Mixed Poomsae category of the event, a non-contact version of Taekwondo in which contestants display their technique and control on the mat.
Idrees told CNN: "It's such a privilege for me.
"I just decided to give it a try after training a couple of times… It feels really good.
"Before I got pregnant, I have always enjoyed training, so it didn't seem different with pregnancy."
Event organisers described her feat as 'inspiring' and Idrees wants to take the opportunity to bring more interest into Taekwondo.
The lesser-known Poomsae category is seen by the gold medal winner as a great form of exercise, with 'minimal risk' for pregnant women.
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I felt there wasn't much risk attached to it, so I decided to give it a try.
She added: "A lot of people don't understand what Taekwondo is actually about. I feel this is an avenue to educate people about this.
"Taekwondo has two branches: the combat sport and Poomsae, which is a form of exercise – just displaying the hand and leg techniques in Taekwondo. I participated in the Poomsae event.
"I felt there wasn't much risk attached to it, so I decided to give it a try.
"My doctor, as well as the organizing body of the games certified me fit to participate in the non-contact sport."
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