By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigerian powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark has secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, while also breaking the world record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category.
Mark achieved a remarkable 145kg lift, surpassing the previous record set by fellow Nigerian, Lucy Ejike. With one lift remaining, Mark is set to raise the bar even higher with an attempt of 147kg, while her closest rival struggles at 138kg.
Mark’s victory underscores Nigeria’s dominance in Paralympic powerlifting, with athletes like Ejike and Bose Omolayo having achieved multiple gold medals and set world records. Nigeria’s tradition of excellence in the sport continues, having won ten medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, four of which were gold.
Source: Informant Online
