Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark has made history at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Mark broke the Paralympic record in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category, with a lift of 150kg.
The 23-year-old won the gold medal on Friday, defeating China’s Cui Jianjin, who claimed silver with a lift of 140kg, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who took the bronze medal with a lift of 130kg.
Her performance surpassed the previous record held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike, marking an iconic achievement for Team Nigeria.
With one lift remaining, she has all but guaranteed Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.
Her closest rival is attempting 138kg on her final lift, while Mark aims to extend her record with a final attempt of 147kg, further cementing her dominance in the sport.
Team Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in Paralympics powerlifting and athletics.
The country secured an impressive 10 medals, including four golds at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Athletes such as Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have set global benchmarks.
