Onyinyechi Mark, on Friday, September 6, 2024, won the first gold medal for Nigeria in the ongoing 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Ms Mark set a new world record in the Women’s 61kg para-powerlifting category by lifting 150 kg to win gold for Nigeria.
She broke her record twice during the competition.
Ms Mark earlier lifted 145kg, 146kg, and 147kg, before she finally lifted 150kg to set the new Paralympic Games and world record which won gold for Nigeria.
However, China’s Jianjin Ciu took the silver medal with a 140kg lift, while Mexico’s Amalia Vazquez Perez claimed the bronze.
Team Nigeria now has three medals.
Eniola Bolaji won a bronze medal in para-badminton in the Women SL3, while Esther Nworgu won silver in the 41kg.
Team Nigeria is still expected to win more medals in powerlifting and para-table tennis.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, had promised Team Nigeria in their camp in Germany that the gold medalist will be rewarded with 15,000 dollars.
Mr Enoh said silver medalists will get 10,000 dollars while bronze winners will go home with 5,000 dollars.
