Nigerian powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark has made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by winning the country’s first gold medal in breathtaking fashion.
The 23-year-old from Umuahia set multiple world records in the women’s 61kg event, cementing her status as one of the greatest Para-Powerlifters in the world.
Mark’s remarkable performance began with an impressive 140kg lift, taking an early lead over her competitors. She then broke the existing Paralympic record by lifting 145kg on her second attempt.
But Mark was just getting started. In a display of sheer dominance, she returned to the stage and lifted an astonishing 147kg, breaking her own world record and securing the gold medal.
Not satisfied, Mark went on to surpass her previous records with a phenomenal 150kg lift just 10 minutes later, setting yet another world record. Her incredible feat meant she has now set the last three world records in the women’s up to 61kg category at 146kg, 147kg, and 150kg.
Mark’s gold medal is Nigeria’s first at the 2024 Paralympics, following bronze and silver medals won earlier by Eniola Bolaji in Para-Badminton and Esther Nworgu in the women’s 41kg Para-Powerlifting event respectively.
READ ALSO: Esther Nworgu shines with silver in powerlifting at the Paralympics in Paris
The Nigerian Paralympic team’s medal-winning performances have brought immense pride and joy to the nation, especially after disappointing outings at the Olympic Games and the recent World U-20 Athletics Championships.
“Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark! Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics, having won Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal at the ongoing Paralympics,” Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, tweeted after the historic win.
Mark’s achievement is a testament to the resilience and talent of Nigerian Para-Powerlifters, who have consistently performed at the highest level.
The team won the 2021 Para-Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester, carting home a total of eight gold and three silver medals to beat 18 other countries.
Onyinyechi Mark’s record-breaking performance has cemented her place in history as one of Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes.
Her inspirational journey serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering spirit.
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