Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has won first gold medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris.
She smashed her own World Record with a breathtaking weight lift of 147kg to win the gold on Friday with one lift remaining.
Her closest competitor is attempting 138kg on her final lift, while Mark aims to further extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg.
Team Nigeria has a storied history in the Paralympics, consistently excelling in powerlifting and athletics.
Hailing from Umuahia, Abia state, Onyinyechi is making history as one of Nigeria’s greatest Powerlifters.
Indeed, Nigeria’s Paralympic team is making waves at the Paralympics 2024 in Paris, redeeming the nation’s pride after a disappointing outing at the Olympic Games.
Onyinyechi’s remarkable achievement is the third medal for Nigeria, following a bronze and silver medal win.
Earlier in the competition, Esther Nworgu secured Nigeria’s second medal, claiming silver in the women’s up to 41kg Para-Powerlifting event.
Esther set two new Paralympic Records, lifting an impressive 112kg and 118kg respectively. China’s Zhe Cui, however, edged her out for gold.
Nigeria’s first Paralympic medal was won by Eniola Bolaji, who made history by becoming the first African to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
