Onyinyechi Mark clinches Nigeria’s first gold at Paris Paralympics
Onyinyechi Mark delivered Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games on Friday, September 6.
Mark dazzled the audience by setting a new world record in the Women’s 61kg para-powerlifting category. She lifted 150kg, surpassing her previous records of 145kg, 146kg, and 147kg.
China’s Jianjin Ciu won silver with a lift of 140kg, while Mexico’s Amalia Vazquez Perez took bronze. This victory brings Team Nigeria’s medal tally to three: Eniola Bolaji secured bronze in para-badminton (Women SL3), and Esther Nworgu earned silver in the 41kg category.
The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, had earlier promised substantial rewards for medalists. Gold winners will receive $15,000, silver medalists $10,000, and bronze winners $5,000.
With more events in powerlifting and para-table tennis remaining, Team Nigeria is poised for further success.