Nigeria’s para-powerlifting star and team captain, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, breaking two world records on her way to winning the gold medal in the women’s over 86kg category. Her dominance in the competition not only added to Nigeria’s medal tally but also reinforced her status as one of the greatest para-powerlifters of her generation.
A Record-Breaking Performance
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Oluwafemiayo entered the event as the favorite, carrying the weight of expectations and the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s Paralympic team. She didn’t just meet those expectations—she shattered them.
Her first lift of 157kg was already enough to secure the gold medal, putting her ahead of her competitors early on. But Oluwafemiayo was far from finished. In her second attempt, she lifted 162kg, setting a new Paralympic record. The ease with which she completed the lift sent a clear message to her rivals: her existing world record of 165kg was in danger.
On her third attempt, she lifted 166kg, breaking her own world record with a flawless performance. Yet, Oluwafemiayo decided to push her limits even further. In her final lift, she achieved an astonishing 167kg, setting a new world record and capping off one of the most dominant performances in Paralympic powerlifting history.
Competition and Medal Tally
Oluwafemiayo’s victory wasn’t just about personal achievement; it also boosted Nigeria’s standing at the Games. Her gold medal increased Nigeria’s overall medal count to seven, including two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes.
China’s Xuemei Deng secured the silver medal with a lift of 155kg, while Egypt’s Nadia Ali took home the bronze after lifting 145kg. Despite strong performances from her competitors, Oluwafemiayo’s record-breaking lifts set her apart, underlining her dominance in the sport.
A Legacy of Excellence
At 39 years old, Oluwafemiayo’s victory in Paris adds another chapter to her illustrious career. She is now a two-time Paralympic champion, having previously won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her Paralympic journey began with a silver medal at the London 2012 Games, and since then, she has continually raised the bar in her sport.
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Her success in Paris also marks another milestone for Nigeria in para-sports. Oluwafemiayo’s achievements are a testament to her dedication, discipline, and resilience, making her a role model for athletes in Nigeria and worldwide.
Nigeria’s Paralympic Success in Paris
Oluwafemiayo’s gold medal is a shining highlight in Nigeria’s successful Paralympic campaign. Earlier in the Games, Flora Ugwunwa won a silver medal in the women’s Javelin F54 event, marking Nigeria’s first medal in Para-Athletics at these Games. Along with the medals in powerlifting and other events, Nigeria has once again demonstrated its strength in para-sports on the global stage.
The Nigerian Paralympic team’s achievements in Paris are a source of national pride. With two gold medals, three silver, and two bronze, Nigeria continues to build on its legacy of excellence in para-sports. The team’s success celebrates individual talents and reflects the collective spirit and determination that drives Nigerian athletes.
A Message of Inspiration
As team captain, Oluwafemiayo’s leadership extends beyond her record-breaking performances. Her journey, marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to excellence, inspires aspiring athletes in Nigeria and around the world. Her success sends a powerful message: anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
As the Paralympic Games in Paris close, Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s achievements will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the event. Her two world records and gold medal add to her personal legacy and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting.