Onyinyechi Mark, a 23-year-old powerlifter from Nigeria, has made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Mark lifted an extraordinary 150kg, not only securing Nigeria’s first gold at the event but also setting a new world record.
Mark’s performance on Friday saw her outperforming China’s Cui Jianjin, who secured the silver medal with a 140kg lift, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who took bronze with a 130kg lift. Mark initially broke the Paralympic record with a 147kg lift before taking on the challenge to set the new world record with her 150kg lift.
In response to Mark’s achievement, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, praised her remarkable accomplishment. He tweeted, “Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark! Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics, having won Nigeria’s first Olympics gold medal at the ongoing Paralympics. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record and win a gold medal, but you took a challenge given to you and lifted 150kg to set a new world record. Bravo!!”
Mark’s victory adds to Team Nigeria’s successes at the 2024 Paralympics, bringing the nation’s medal count to three. Earlier, Eniola Bolaji made history as the first African to win a medal in Para-Badminton, earning a bronze in the Women’s Singles SL3 category. Esther Nworgu also won a silver medal in the women’s 41kg para-powerlifting category.
Mark’s journey to this victory has been remarkable. She was part of the Nigerian team that won the 2021 Para-powerlifting World Cup in Manchester, securing eight gold and three silver medals. At that event, Mark won a silver medal in the women’s 55kg category.
