Nigeria Shines at Paris 2024 Paralympics As Onyinyechi Mark Wins Nigeria's First Gold Medal, Lifts 150kg, Breaks Records

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Nigeria's Onyinyechi Mark has set a new benchmark in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, breaking previous records. 

Mark's 150kg lift surpassed the former record held by fellow Nigerian athlete, Lucy Ejike, and stands as a major achievement for the nation.

Mark's extraordinary performance not only earned her a new record but also secured Nigeria’s third medal at the Paralympics. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that Mark faced tough competition from China’s Cui Jianjin, who took home the silver with a lift of 140kg, while Mexico’s Amelia Perez finished in third place, 10kg behind her Chinese rival.

Nigeria continues to excel in powerlifting, a sport in which it has a long-standing tradition of success. 

This recent achievement by Mark underscores Nigeria's commitment to fostering its para-athletes. 

It also reflects the country’s dedication to maintaining its leadership in Paralympic sports, particularly in powerlifting and athletics. These efforts contribute to the broader development of sports for people with disabilities in Nigeria.

In the previous Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Nigerian athletes brought home 10 medals, including four golds, further solidifying their global dominance in the sport. 

Powerlifters such as Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have previously set world records and collected numerous gold medals.

However, Nigeria’s performance in the last 2024 Paris Olympics did not follow the same successful trend. The country finished its Olympic campaign without a single medal. 

Nigeria’s last Olympic contender, Hannah Reuben, was defeated in the second round of the women’s freestyle wrestling 76kg category, losing 5-2 to Mongolia’s Davaanasan Amar Enkh.

Nigeria also faced disappointment in other Olympic events. Star athlete, Tobi Amusan, was unable to qualify for the finals in the women’s 100m hurdles. 

OTN News reveals that the men’s 4x400m relay team was disqualified during the semi-finals, marking the country’s worst Olympic showing since the 2012 London Games.

Looking forward, Nigeria has four years to prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The focus will be on rebuilding and addressing the shortcomings of the 2024 Games, with hopes of better performances and a stronger finish in future competitions.