1 week ago
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The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, commended Onyinyechi Mark for securing Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, while also setting a new Para-Powerlifting world record.
Onyinyechi Mark’s exceptional performance in the women’s +61kg para-powerlifting category included breaking her world record twice, ultimately lifting an impressive 150kg to claim the top spot on the podium.
In a message of congratulations, Senator Enoh praised Mark’s historic achievement, saying, “This performance is truly exceptional. Today, you represented our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics, earning Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal at the Games. Not only did you lift 147 kg to break the Paralympics record and win a gold medal, you took on a challenge and lifted 150 kg to set a new world record.”
The 23-year-old powerlifter’s journey to gold began with an impressive 140 kg lift, which positioned her strongly for the top prize. She then raised the bar to 145 kg, surpassing the existing Paralympic Record by 3 kg.
Mark’s dominance was evident as she returned to the stage, lifting 147 kg to secure the gold medal and break her world record. In a stunning finale, just 10 minutes later, she surpassed her previous marks with a phenomenal 150 kg lift, setting yet another world record.
Enoh added, “You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians; you have built a momentum that makes a worthy statement of the resilient Nigerian spirit.”
Onyinyechi Mark’s closest competitor, China’s Jianjin Cui, claimed silver with a lift of 140 kg, while Mexico’s Amalia Perez Vazquez secured bronze with 135 kg.
This victory emphasizes Nigeria’s strong showing at the Paralympics, following Esther Nworgu’s silver in the women’s 41 kg category and Eniola Bolaji’s historic bronze in Para badminton earlier in the week.
With Mark’s gold medal setting a high bar, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is looking promising, with more events still to come.
English (US) ·