The Nigerian Team has won a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris, France. Powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark secured the medal in the women’s 61kg category, lifting an impressive 150kg. Mark, 23, defeated China’s Cui Jianjin and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who won silver and bronze respectively.
This achievement follows the team’s first medal win by Mariam Eniola Bolaji in the Para badminton women’s singles SL3 event. Bolaji, from Kwara State, defeated Ukraine’s Kozyna Oksana 21-9, 21-9 in the bronze medal match. She made history by becoming the first African to reach the semifinals in Para Badminton at the Paralympics.
With these wins, Team Nigeria has moved from no ranking to 60th position on the medal table. Onyinyechi Mark’s victory also set a new world record, lifting 147kg and breaking Paralympic and World records. Mark’s achievement cements her place in history as one of Nigeria’s greatest powerlifters.
The Nigerian Team’s success continues to inspire, with Mark and Bolaji leading the way. Their determination and hard work have paid off, bringing pride and recognition to Nigeria on the global stage.
