Paralympics: Onyinyechi Mark wins Nigeria’s first gold medal, sets world record

Onyinyechi Mark has won Nigeria’s 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.

Mark lifted an impressive 150kg, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Games.

Already the world record holder, Mark broke her record twice during the competition.

She surpassed her previous Paralympic Games and World records of 145kg and 146kg with lifts of 147kg and 150kg, respectively.

Her final lift of 150kg, achieved amidst applause from the spectators, set both a new world and a Paralympics record.

China’s Jianjin Ciu took the silver medal with a 140kg lift, while Mexico’s Amalia Vazquez Perez claimed the bronze with a 130kg lift.

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.

She broke both Paralympic and World records, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal in a breathtaking fashion.

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.

Eniola defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, in straight sets 2-0 (21-9, 21-9) to win a bronze medal.

The Nigerian Paralympic team’s medal-winning performances are a beacon of hope and pride for the nation especially after failures in the Olympic Games and the recent World U-20 Athletics Championships in Lima.

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.