Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s world Record-Breaking 167kg Life Shakes Paralympics
In an extraordinary display of strength and tenacity, Nigerian powerlifting captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo made history by becoming the first woman to lift a world record-breaking 167 kg at the 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris, France.
Not only did she claim the gold medal in the women’s over 86kg category, but she also set a new standard for excellence in the sport, surpassing the silver medalist Deng Xuemei from China and Egypt’s bronze medalist Nadia Ali.
Oluwafemiayo’s exceptional achievement has been met with widespread praise and admiration from both her countrymen and the international sports community. Minister of Sports, John Enoh, took to Twitter to applaud her outstanding performance, stating, “She has brought great pride to herself and our great nation, Nigeria.”
As captain of Team Nigeria, Oluwafemiayo not only displayed her prowess in the competition but also inspired her teammates with her leadership and unwavering spirit.
Oluwafemiayo’s success in Paris adds to an already impressive list of achievements, having won gold at the 2020 Paralympics Games in Tokyo, Japan, and secured gold medals in various World Championships.
Her triumph not only cements her position as one of the world’s leading para-powerlifters but also serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
As Team Nigeria continues to make its mark at the Paralympics, the nation is united in pride and celebration of Oluwafemiayo’s historic feat.
Her story not only serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Nigeria but also represents a powerful message of hope and perseverance, proving that with hard work, determination, and dedication, even the most ambitious goals can be realized.
References and Citations:
- PUNCH – Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo breaks world record, wins gold at Paralympics
- Channels – Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo breaks para-powerlifting record , wins gold medal
- The Nation – Paris 2024: Oluwafemiayo breaks para-powerlifting record, wins gold medal