2 months ago
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Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has lauded Onyinyechi Mark for clinching Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a new Para-Powerlifting world record in the process.
Mark’s phenomenal display in the women’s +61kg para-powerlifting category saw her shatter her own world record twice, ultimately lifting an astonishing 150kg to secure the top spot on the podium.
In a congratulations message, Senator Enoh extolled Mark’s historic achievement, saying, “This performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics, having won Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal at the Games. Not only did you lift 147 kg to break the Paralympics record and win a gold medal, you took a challenge given to you and lifted 150 kg to set a new world record.”
The 23-year-old powerlifter’s journey to gold began with an impressive 140 kg lift, which already positioned her strongly for the top prize. She then raised the bar to 145 kg, surpassing the existing Paralympic Record by 3 kg.
Mark’s dominance was undeniable as she returned to the stage, lifting 147 kg to secure the gold medal and breaking her own world record. In a stunning finale, just 10 minutes later, she surpassed her previous marks with a phenomenal 150 kg lift, setting yet another world record.
“You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians; you have built a momentum that makes a worthy statement of the resilient Nigerian spirit,” Enoh stated, celebrating Mark’s remarkable feat.
Mark’s closest competitor, China’s Jianjin Cui, claimed silver with a lift of 140 kg, while Mexico’s Amalia Perez Vazquez secured bronze with 135 kg.
This victory accentuates Nigeria’s strong showing at the Paralympics, following Esther Nworgu’s silver in the women’s 41 kg category and Eniola Bolaji’s historic bronze in Para badminton earlier in the week.
With Mark’s gold medal setting a high bar, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is looking promising, with more events still to come.
