Onyinyechi Mark, a Nigerian powerlifter, won the gold medal in the women’s 61kg powerlifting division at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in France, lifting 150kg.
The 23-year-old won on Friday, defeating China’s Cui Jianjin, who took silver with a lift of 140kg, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who claimed bronze with a lift of 130kg.
In a congratulatory tweet on Friday, Minister of Sports John Enoh praised Mark’s efforts in elevating Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. He wrote on the platform, “Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark! Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics by winning Nigeria’s first gold medal. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record and win a gold medal, but you also rose to the challenge and lifted 150kg to set a new world record. Bravo!”
Mark’s latest victory secures Team Nigeria’s third medal at the 2024 Paralympics.
Previously, Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African athlete to earn a medal in Para-Badminton, winning a bronze medal for Nigeria in the Women’s Singles SL3. Bolaji defeated her Ukrainian opponent, Oksana Kozyna, 2-0 in straight sets (21-9, 21-9).
Esther Nworgu won a silver medal in the women’s 41kg para-powerlifting division. Team Nigeria’s para-powerlifters have continued to make history at various tournaments. The team triumphed at the 2021 Para-Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester, claiming eight gold and three silver medals, outshining 18 other countries.
Notable team members included Lucy Ejike, Jonah Ben, Bose Omolayo, Tijani Latifat, Yakubu Adesokan, Ibrahim Dauda, and Thomas Kure. Mark was also part of the team, securing a silver medal in the women’s 55kg category, where she was narrowly defeated by Ukrainian competitor Mariana Shevchuk.
