By Victor Kanayo
Onyinyechi Mark has won Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics, smashing her own world record, lifting a breathtaking weight of 150kg in the Women’s 61kg powerlifting event in Paris, France.
Already, the world record holder, Mark broke her record twice during the competition.
She surpassed her previous Paralympic Games and world records of 145kg and 146kg with lifts of 147kg and 150kg, respectively.
Her final lift of 150kg, achieved amidst applause from the spectators, set both a new world and a Paralympics record.
China’s Jianjin Ciu took the silver medal with a 140kg lift, while Mexico’s Amalia Vazquez Perez claimed the bronze with a 130kg lift.
Mark’s effort ensured that there are now three medals at the games comprising One Gold , One Silver and Bronze for Nigeria.
