2024 Paralympics: Nigerian powerlifter Oluwafemiayo wins gold, sets world record

Nigerian powerlifter, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, made history on Sunday by securing a gold medal in the women’s over 86kg event at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

As Team Nigeria’s captain, Oluwafemiayo achieved a remarkable world record by becoming the first para-powerlifter to lift 167kg at the Games.

China’s Deng Xuemei earned the silver medal with a lift of 155kg, while Egypt’s Nadia Ali claimed the bronze after lifting 145kg.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, praised Oluwafemiayo’s outstanding performance, commending her strength and determination in representing the nation at the highest level. “great skill, determination and an excellent spirit.”

Enoh, who wrote on his X handle on Sunday, tweeted, “Our very own Folashade Oluwafemiayo has delivered an outstanding performance at the Paralympics. She achieved something no other woman has done in powerlifting at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

“Folashade not only set a Paralympics record by lifting 167kg, but she also set an Elite World Record. She served as the Captain for Team Nigeria’s contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games, demonstrating great skill, determination and an excellent spirit.

“Let’s come together to congratulate and celebrate our champion for bringing pride to herself and our great nation, Nigeria.”

According to data obtained on the website of the International Paralympics Committee, Oluwafemiayo won gold at the Paralympics Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020.

The 39-year-old also won gold medals in the World Championships in Mexico (2017); Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (2019); Tbilisi, Georgia (2021); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2023); and another gold medal at the Women’s Bench Press Heavyweight in Birmingham, England (2022).

Oluwafemiayo’s achievement brings Team Nigeria’s medal count to seven – two gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Bose Omolayo won a silver medal in the women’s up to 79kg Para-powerlifting category as she lifted 145kg.

Also, Flora Ugwunwa secured a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a throw of 19.26m.

In the Men’s Singles Class 4 event, Isau Ogunkunle won a bronze medal, making him the first Nigerian player to secure an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.