Paralympics: Onyinyechi Mark wins Nigeria’s first gold medal

Paralympics: Onyinyechi Mark wins Nigeria’s first gold medal

Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by breaking the Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category, with a lift of 147kg.

Mark’s performance surpassed the previous record held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike, marking an iconic achievement for Team Nigeria.

With one lift remaining, Onyinyechi Mark has all but guaranteed Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.

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Her closest rival is attempting 138kg on her final lift, while Mark aims to extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg, further cementing her dominance in the sport.

Team Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in Paralympic powerlifting and athletics.

At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, the country secured an impressive 10 medals, including four golds.

Athletes such as Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have set global benchmarks, with Ejike herself holding multiple world records and gold medals in powerlifting.

Paralympics: Onyinyechi Mark wins Nigeria’s first gold medal