With a remarkable 150 kg lift, Nigerian powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark took home the gold medal in the women’s 61 kg powerlifting division at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in France.
The 23-year-old won on Friday, defeating Amelia Perez of Mexico, who took home the bronze medal with a lift of 130 kg, and Cui Jianjin of China, who grabbed silver.
The Minister of Sports, John Enoh, congratulated Mark on his efforts to bring Nigeria’s name to the attention of the world in a tweet on Friday.
“Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark!” was what his tweet said. After winning Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal at the Olympics, you raised the flag of our wonderful country today at the Paralympics. You accepted a challenge and lifted 150 kg to break the world record in addition to breaking the Paralympic record and winning a gold medal. Well done!
Following the report, he affirmed the statement that “You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians, you have built a momentum which makes a worthy statement of the resilient Nigerian spirit. We are so proud of you, the government and sports-loving people of Nigeria celebrate you our champ! Thank you for doing it for yourself and the country.”
