Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has secured the country’s first gold medal at the ongoing Paris Paralympics, after a dominant performance in the women’s up to 61kg powerlifting finals on Friday.
The 23-year-old lifted 150kg, setting a new world record in the process and outlifting her competitors in a thrilling event at La Chapelle Arena.
Mark’s stunning victory came after she overcame a strong challenge from China’s Cui Jianjin, who secured the silver medal with a 140kg lift. Mexico’s Amelia Perez claimed bronze, falling 10kg short of her Chinese rival.
The new Paralympic and world record set by Mark in the final marks a historic achievement for Team Nigeria, earning the country its third medal at the Paris Games.
Her performance adds to Nigeria’s legacy in powerlifting, a sport where the nation has traditionally excelled.
The gold follows Esther Nworgu’s silver medal win on Wednesday in the women’s up to 41kg para-powerlifting event, and Eniola Bolaji’s bronze in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event earlier in the week.
