Paralympic Games 2024: Onyinyechi 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 an impressive 147kg lift.

This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike, solidifying Onyinyechi’s place in Paralympic history and adding to Team Nigeria’s legacy.

With one lift remaining, Onyinyechi is on the verge of securing Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Games.

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

Nigeria’s history in Paralympic powerlifting

Nigeria has a long and distinguished history in Paralympic powerlifting, solidifying itself as a powerhouse in the sport.

This legacy began in earnest in the 1990s when the country first entered the Paralympic Games.

Nigerian athletes have excelled in powerlifting, and the sport has become the country’s most successful Paralympic discipline, contributing 21 of the nation’s 36 gold medals at the Games.

One of Nigeria’s most celebrated athletes is Lucy Ejike, a multiple-time Paralympic medalist who has competed in five consecutive Paralympic Games, starting from Sydney 2000.

Ejike dominated the powerlifting scene for decades, winning three gold and two silver medals across various weight categories.

At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, she made history by breaking the world and Paralympic records three times in the 61kg category, lifting 142kg to win gold.

Her extraordinary achievements set the stage for future Nigerian powerlifters, cementing her as a legend of the sport.

Onyinyechi’s recent achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she broke Ejike’s previous record with a 147kg lift, builds on this legacy.

Her performance not only surpasses Ejike’s record but also reinforces Nigeria’s dominance in Paralympic powerlifting.

This new record highlights how Nigerian athletes continue to push boundaries and redefine the sport on the global stage.

Onyinyechi’s success is also reflective of Nigeria’s broader success in training and nurturing para athletes.

Nigerian Paralympians, through both individual determination and structured support systems, have made a significant impact in the sport globally, earning them respect and admiration.

This legacy positions Onyinyechi Mark as the next torchbearer, continuing the tradition of excellence in powerlifting.

Significance of Onyinyechi’s achievement

Onyinyechi’s record-breaking lift at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games goes beyond just winning a gold medal for Nigeria; it highlights her remarkable physical and mental discipline.

Onyinyechi’s lift of 147kg in the women’s 61kg category not only surpassed the previous Paralympic record set by Lucy, but also solidified Nigeria’s dominance in the sport.

Shortly after securing her victory, Onyinyechi further extended her record with a 150kg lift, setting a new world record.

Powerlifting at the Paralympic level requires immense strength, endurance, and psychological focus.

Athletes like Onyinyechi train rigorously to perfect their technique and increase their lifting capacity.

Onyinyechi’s ability to break records twice within a short span highlights her exceptional talent and perseverance.

Her lift is even more impressive when compared to global standards, marking her as one of the top para-powerlifters in the world.

Her achievement also holds symbolic significance for Nigeria, a country that has consistently excelled in powerlifting at the Paralympics.

Nigeria’s success in the sport began in the early 2000s, with athletes like Ejike and Yakubu Adesokan paving the way.

By adding her name to this legacy, Onyinyechi ensures that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in the sport, contributing to the country’s growing list of champions.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook