Sports Minister Celebrates Onyinyechi Mark As Nigeria Wins First Gold Medal At 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed immense pride and joy following Onyinyechi Mark’s extraordinary triumph at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she won Nigeria’s first gold medal and set a new world record.
Competing in the women’s up to 61kg Para-Powerlifting category, Mark shattered her own world record by lifting an astounding 147kg, only to surpass that with an unprecedented 150kg. This remarkable feat has solidified her dominance in the sport and further elevated her status as one of the world’s greatest powerlifters.
In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Senator Owan Enoh lauded Mark’s historic achievement, stating, “This performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Today, you have hoisted the flag of our great nation at the Paralympics, winning Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal at the Games. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record, but you also took on the challenge and raised the bar to 150kg, setting a new world record.”
The minister further expressed the nation’s gratitude and admiration for Mark, adding, “You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians. You embody the resilient Nigerian spirit, and your achievement makes a worthy statement. The government and sports-loving people of Nigeria celebrate you, our champ! Thank you for doing it for yourself and for your country.”
After securing the gold medal, Mark returned to the stage to break her own world record twice, lifting an incredible 150kg. In doing so, she has now set the last three world records in this event—146kg, 147kg, and now 150kg—while also breaking the Paralympic record previously held by fellow Nigerian Lucy Ejike.
Onyinyechi Mark’s remarkable accomplishments have not only cemented her place in the history books but also inspired a new generation of athletes, proving that with determination and perseverance, greatness is within reach.
