23-year-old Onyinyechi Mark has won Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris Paralympics after outlifting her opponents in the powerlifting finals.
The Nigerian powerlifter prevailed in the women’s up to 61kg category on Friday after she lifted 150kg, setting a new world record in the event.
The previous record held by compatriot Lucy Ejike.
She overcame the challenge from China’s Cui Jianjin, who won silver after lifting 140 kilograms.
Mexico’s Amelia Perez won bronze, falling 10 kilogrammes behind her Chinese rival after pulsating lift attempts.
Team Nigeria has a storied history in the Paralympics, consistently excelling in powerlifting and athletics. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria secured ten medals, including four golds.
The team has been a dominant force in powerlifting, with athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo setting world records and winning multiple gold medals.
Nigeria’s continued success at the Paralympics highlights the nation’s dedication to supporting and developing its para-athletes.
On Wednesday, Esther Nworgu won the silver medal in the women’s up to 41kg para-powerlifting event.
Two days before that, Eniola Bolaji also won a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event.
Later on Friday, Lucy Ejike will take centre stage when she competes in the women’s up to 67kg category of para-powerlifting.
The 46-year-old veteran has won three Paralympic gold medals for Nigeria and hopes to add another when the competition begins at 4 pm.