Nigerian para-athlete Flora Ugwunwa has added to Nigeria’s medal haul at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning a silver medal in the women’s Javelin F54 event. Her impressive throw of 19.26 meters earned her second place, finishing behind Uzbekistan’s Nurkhon Kurbanova, who secured gold with a world-record throw of 21.12 meters.
Ugwunwa’s silver medal brings Nigeria’s total medal count at the Games to four. This marks another significant achievement for the 40-year-old, who has now earned three consecutive Paralympic medals. Ugwunwa previously won gold at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and has now added a silver to her impressive collection.
A Legacy of Records
Flora Ugwunwa’s performance in Paris further solidifies her status as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished para-athletes. Her consistency at the Paralympics is a testament to her skill and determination. Despite the challenges of limited competition opportunities, Ugwunwa has continued to excel on the world stage, maintaining her position among the best in her discipline.
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In Paris, Ugwunwa faced tough competition, particularly from Kurbanova, who broke the Paralympic record Ugwunwa herself had set in 2016. Kurbanova’s throw of 21.12 meters secured the gold medal and set a new world record. Iran’s Elham Salehi rounded out the podium by taking bronze with a throw of 16.24 meters.
A Historic Medal Run
Ugwunwa’s silver medal adds to Nigeria’s rich history in para-athletics, where the country has consistently performed at the highest level. Her victory is the first medal for Nigeria in the women’s javelin category at the Paris Games and continues a proud tradition of success in para-sports.
Ugwunwa’s journey at the Paralympics began in Rio 2016, where she claimed gold with a record-breaking performance. She successfully defended her title at the Tokyo 2020 Games, further establishing herself as a dominant force in the F54 javelin event. Now, with a silver medal in Paris, she has proven her longevity and resilience as a top-level competitor.
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Nigeria’s Paralympic Success in Paris
Ugwunwa’s medal is part of a broader success story for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The country has already seen victories across multiple sports, with Eniola Bolaji securing a bronze medal in para-badminton and Onyinyechi Mark winning gold in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category, where she also set a world record by lifting 150kg.
Esther Nworgu also contributed to the medal tally with a silver in the women’s 41kg powerlifting event despite competing with a dislocated shoulder. These accomplishments highlight the strength and determination of Nigeria’s Paralympic team, which continues to make the nation proud on the global stage.
As Nigeria’s Paralympic team continues to compete in Paris, Flora Ugwunwa’s success will inspire her teammates and aspiring athletes back home. At 40, Ugwunwa has shown that age is no barrier to achieving greatness, and her legacy in para-athletics is firmly cemented.