Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has expressed immense pride and joy as Onyinyechi Mark won Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a stunning new world record by lifting 147 kg.
Mark competed in the women’s up to 61 kg para-powerlifting category, shattered her previous world record by lifting an astonishing 147 kg before further pushing the bar to 150 kg—a feat that has solidified her position as the dominant force in the sport.
In a statement on Friday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Sports Development, Diana Mary-Nsan, Enoh praised Onyinyechi Mark’s historic achievement, noting that her 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.
“You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians; you have built momentum, which makes a worthy statement of the resilient Nigerian spirit.
“We are so proud of you; the government and sports-loving people of Nigeria celebrate you, our champ! Thank you for doing it for self and for the country.”
After securing the gold medal in the heat of her competition, Mark returned to the stage to break her own world record not once but twice, lifting a jaw-dropping 150 kg.
She has now set the last three world records in this event—146 kg, 147 kg, and now 150 kg.
Mark’s stunning performance meant she broke the paralympic record, previously held by Nigeria’s own Lucy Ejike.
With her remarkable accomplishments, Onyinyechi Mark has not only written her name in the history books but also inspired a new generation of athletes, proving that with determination and grit, greatness is within reach.
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