Oyinyechi Mark has secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, breaking her own world record with an astounding 147kg lift in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category.
This achievement marks a triumphant moment for Nigeria’s Paralympic team, following earlier bronze and silver medal wins.
Mark’s record-breaking performance surpassed her previous lift of 145kg, which had already broken the record held by compatriot Lucy Ejike. Her closest competitor attempted to lift 138kg on the final lift, but Mark’s superior strength and technique prevailed.
“Onyinyechi’s remarkable achievement is the third medal for Nigeria, following a bronze and silver medal win,” officials said, and highlighted the team’s strong start.
Earlier, Esther Nworgu claimed silver in the women’s up to 41kg Para-Powerlifting event, setting two new Paralympic records with lifts of 112kg and 118kg.
Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, securing a bronze.
Nigeria’s success at the Paralympics is in stark contrast to recent disappointments at the Olympic Games and the World U-20 Athletics Championships in Lima.
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The performances of the para-athletes have become a source of national pride and inspiration. Nigeria has a distinguished history at the Paralympics, particularly in powerlifting.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Nigeria secured ten medals, including four golds. Athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have previously set world records and won multiple gold medals, underscoring Nigeria’s dominance in this sport.
