Nigerian Paralympics powerlifter Esther Nworgu said on Wednesday claiming the silver medal in Paris was “like heaven” having dislocated her shoulder just two days ago.
Nworgu, who lost the use of her legs as a child, only missed out on gold in the bench press to defending champion Cui Zhe of China in the up to 41kg category by one kilogram.
The 21-year-old’s efforts were limited however as she was effectively lifting the bar with one arm due to the injury.
“I was so emotional because I never expected any medal from this competition,” Nworgu told reporters.
“I had an injury two days ago and the doctors confirmed that I should not compete because it was critical.
“There is no adjective I can use to quantify my happiness right now.
“It is like heaven to me,” the wheelchair user added with heavy strapping on her right shoulder after the medal ceremony.
As an eight-year-old Nworgu lost the use of her legs without a clinical reason before then starting the sport a decade ago.
“I accepted my disability, joined it with the love in my personality and this (the medal) is the result,” she said.
“I don’t like using “d-i-s” in my ability, I like using “th-i-s” in my ability.
“When there is disability there is ability and what people see as ‘disability’ is not what I see, I see it as a strength and an ability.
