- Onyinyechi Mark sets a new Paralympic record, lifting 145kg in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category
- Mark breaks her own world record with a final lift of 147kg to win Nigeria’s first gold at Paris 2024
- China’s Cui Jianjin takes silver, and Mexico’s Amalia Pérez secures bronze in the 61kg category
Onyinyechi Mark has etched her name in Paralympic history after delivering an incredible performance at the Paris 2024 Games, during which she lifted a staggering 145kg in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category.
This lift shattered the Paralympic record and surpassed the previous mark held by fellow Nigerian powerlifter Lucy Ejike.
Mark, who hails from Umuahia, Nigeria, has become one of the most dominant figures in powerlifting. Her achievement at Paris 2024 earned Nigeria its first gold medal of the Games, and she wasn't done yet.
Following her stunning 145kg lift, Mark broke the world record again, lifting an astounding 147kg on her final attempt.
At just 23 years old, Mark's brilliance is undeniable. Her nearest rival attempted a lift of 138kg, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Mark’s dominance. In the final moments of the competition, she once again raised the bar with her record-breaking 147kg lift. China’s Cui Jianjin claimed silver with 140kg, while Amalia Pérez of Mexico, a four-time Paralympic champion, secured bronze with a lift of 130kg.
Mark’s success adds to Nigeria’s decorated history in Paralympic powerlifting. Over the years, Nigeria has consistently excelled in the sport, with previous successes, including ten medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have set world records and won multiple gold medals, ensuring that Nigeria remains a dominant force in Paralympic sports.
But Mark wasn’t satisfied with her 147kg lift. Minutes after securing gold, she returned to the stage to break her world record once again, this time lifting an incredible 150kg. This marked the third time in one year that she had set a new world record, with previous lifts of 146kg and 147kg.
With her latest victory, Onyinyechi Mark continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving herself as one of the greatest powerlifters to ever represent Nigeria.
9 intriguing things to know about Oyo-born Paralympian Bolaji
Previously, TheRadar reported that in a historic moment for Nigeria, the nation has finally secured its first medal at the ongoing 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France. This breakthrough came courtesy of Mariam Eniola Bolaji, a para-badminton star hailing from Kwara state.
On Monday, September 2, Bolaji triumphed in the women's singles SL3 event, defeating Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana with a commanding score of 21-9, 21-9 in the bronze medal match.
