Onyinyechi Mark made history on Friday by winning Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris Paralympics after a stunning performance in the women’s up to 61kg powerlifting category.
The 23-year-old shattered the world record by lifting 150kg, surpassing all her competitors and setting a new benchmark in the event.
China’s Cui Jianjin took the silver medal with a 140kg lift, while Mexico’s Amelia Perez claimed bronze, lifting 130kg.
Mark’s incredible feat also broke the Paralympic record at La Chapelle Arena, further solidifying her dominance in the sport.
Her gold medal marks Nigeria’s third medal at the Paris Paralympics. Earlier in the week, Esther Nworgu won silver in the women’s up to 41kg para-powerlifting event, while Eniola Bolaji claimed a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event.
Later on Friday, veteran powerlifter Lucy Ejike, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, will compete in the women’s up to 67kg category, aiming to add another gold to her illustrious career. The competition is set to begin at 4 pm.