Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed immense pride as Onyinyechi Mark secured Nigeria's first GOLD medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a remarkable new world record in the process.
Competing in the women’s up to 61kg Para-Powerlifting category, Mark shattered her own previous world record by lifting an incredible 147kg, only to surpass herself moments later by raising the bar to 150kg. This extraordinary feat has cemented her status as a dominant force in the sport. In a congratulatory message, Senator Owan Enoh praised Onyinyechi Mark’s historic achievement, stating, “This performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Today, you lifted the flag of our great nation high at the Paralympics, winning Nigeria’s first Olympic Gold medal at these Games. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record and win Gold, but you also took on the challenge to lift 150kg, setting a new world record.”
Enoh continued, “You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians, embodying the resilient Nigerian spirit. We are incredibly proud of you. The Government and all sports-loving Nigerians celebrate you as our champion! Thank you for achieving this for yourself and for our country.”
In a thrilling display of strength and determination, Mark returned to the stage after securing her gold medal to break her own world record not once, but twice, ultimately lifting a staggering 150kg. With this, she has now set the last three world records in this event—146kg, 147kg, and now 150kg. Her extraordinary performance also broke the Paralympic record previously held by Nigeria’s own Lucy Ejike.
Onyinyechi Mark’s achievements have not only etched her name into the annals of history but also inspired a new generation of athletes, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, greatness is attainable.
