The medal was a reward for years of training and resilience. Competing as a Para athlete with limited movement in her lower limbs means Goodness must constantly adjust her balance in the throwing circle, but she has never let that hold her back. Since the Games she has continued to train and compete while also taking on personal challenges away from sport. Her preparation for Birmingham 2022 included support from the Commonwealth Sport GAPS programme, and she was part of the GAPS training camp in Stellenbosch, South Africa before the Games.

Having now qualified for Glasgow 2026, she continues to build towards the Games and will also be part of a GAPS training camp in July as part of her final preparations.

Earlier this year, she honoured her father with his burial, an important moment for her and her family.

In this Q&A, Goodness reflects on the highs and lows since Birmingham, what keeps her motivated, and the advice she has for others coming through.

What are the standout moments from your time as an athlete in the Commonwealth Games?
Walking into the stadium and seeing thousands of people waiting to watch me compete was something I will never forget. It brought me so much joy. That was my first time being in such a big competition. After the event, so many fans came up to me, asking to take pictures and videos. It felt amazing. And of course, winning a medal was a big achievement for me. I had trained so hard for that moment, and it opened many doors in my life. Now I am working even harder for Glasgow 2026.

How has your view on your sport and accomplishments shifted since the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games helped me appreciate my sport even more. I had already competed in two Grand Prix events before, but the Commonwealth Games was a different level. It is the biggest competition I have ever been part of, and it gave me recognition across the world. That experience deepened my love for sport and made me proud of how far I have come.

How has your life and career changed since the Commonwealth Games, both in and out of sport?
Sport has truly changed my life. It has taken me places I never dreamed I would go, including the UK, France, Germany, South Africa, Tunisia and Morocco. I have made so many friends around the world. Sport has also made people know my name. Looking at where I am today, I feel so blessed. I never imagined I would reach this point. I thank God for it every day.

Can you talk about the challenges and victories you have encountered since the Games and how they have shaped your journey?
I have faced many challenges, especially with training and finances. The journey from my home to the training ground takes over an hour, and sometimes I get stuck in traffic. That is why I wake up as early as 4:00am to make it on time. Financially, it has not been easy either. I need more support and sponsorships to attend competitions. And as a physically challenged athlete, I have fallen many times while training. Thankfully I have never been badly injured. These challenges have only made me stronger. I stay positive and keep training because I truly love sport.

Have you stayed active in your sport or sports community after the Commonwealth Games?
Yes, I am still an active athlete and still competing. I love training and I am working hard toward Glasgow 2026. Sport is my passion and I am not stopping.

Tell us about projects or causes you are passionate about or working on.
Right now I am fully focused on preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. That is where my energy is going.

In what ways have you used your Commonwealth Games experience to motivate and guide the next generation or those facing similar challenges?
I always try to encourage others, especially people with physical challenges who are struggling or begging on the streets. I tell them that sport can change their lives, just like it changed mine. I have also spoken to athletes who are starting to lose hope, reminding them that I was once in their shoes. It took me many years of hard work and training before I made the national team.

Looking back, what lessons or skills from your Commonwealth Games journey have been valuable in your life beyond sport?
One lesson I carry with me is that there is ability in disability. I also value teamwork. I love training with men because it pushes me to improve and makes me stronger. Training with others reduces my fear and tension during competitions. My coach always tells me to stay calm and apply what I have learned in training, and that advice helps me every time. Discipline is the first thing every athlete must have. I also believe in being loyal and respectful.

Can you share a personal or professional achievement since the Commonwealth Games that you take pride in?
I am proud to be in sport. I am proud to be one of the GAPS Ambassador Athletes. I am proud of my family, my coach, my fans and the entire GAPS family. Most of all, I am proud of myself for how far I have come and for never giving up.

The King’s Baton Relay passed through your country during the journey to Glasgow 2026. What did the Baton’s message of connection and hope mean to you?
Although I was not there to witness it in person, the message of the Baton means a lot to me. It stands for unity, hope and connection. I really wish I had been present to see it for myself, because I have never experienced the Baton Relay before.

With the 2026 Commonwealth Games coming up, what are you most looking forward to?
I am praying and working hard toward competing in Glasgow 2026. I want to do even better than I did in 2022 and continue inspiring others. Everything is in God’s hands, but I have hope and excitement for what is ahead.

If you could give one piece of advice to athletes preparing for 2026, what would it be?
Work hard, stay focused, train well and put aside your challenges. Be prayerful and stay positive. When things get tough, do not keep it to yourself. There is a saying: a closed mouth is a closed destiny. Open up and talk to people. Help can come from anywhere. In life, never underrate anyone.