Onyinyechi Mark sets a new world record in the women's up to 61kg para-powerlifting to win Nigeria's first gold medal at Paris Paralympics
Onyinyechi Mark has won Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris Paralympics after outlifting her opponents in the powerlifting finals.
The 23-year-old prevailed in the women’s up to 61kg category on Friday after she lifted 150kg, setting a new world record in the event.
She overcame the challenge from China’s Cui Jianjin, who won silver after lifting 140 kilograms.
Mexico’s Amelia Perez won bronze, falling 10 kilogrammes behind her Chinese rival after pulsating lift attempts.
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Onyiyechi also shattered the Paralympic record with her historic performance at La Chapelle Arena.
Her victory earned Team Nigeria’s third medal at the Paris Paralympics.
On Wednesday, Esther Nworgu won the silver medal in the women’s up to 41kg para-powerlifting event.
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Two days before that, Eniola Bolaji also won a bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 badminton event.
Later on Friday, Lucy Ejike will take centre stage when she competes in the women’s up to 67kg category of para-powerlifting.
The 46-year-old veteran has won three Paralympic gold medals for Nigeria and hopes to add another when the competition begins at 4 pm.
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