Nigerian powerlifting star Folashade Oluwafemiayo has set a new world record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting category by lifting 166kg, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to achieve this feat. Her remarkable performance on Sunday, September 8, 2024, not only earned her a gold medal but also surpassed her previous world record of 165kg.
This achievement brings Nigeria’s total medal count at the Paralympics to seven. Earlier, Flora Ugwunwa secured a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a notable throw of 19.26 meters, finishing second in a competitive field. Bose Omolayo also contributed with a silver medal in the Women’s 79kg Para-Powerlifting category, lifting an impressive 145kg. Additionally, Isau Ogunkunle earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis event, marking the first individual medal in Para Table Tennis for Nigeria since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Senator Enoh expressed pride in the achievements of Team Nigeria’s Paralympic athletes, stating, “We are immensely proud of our athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride with their incredible performances. Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, inspiring millions with their achievements.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the necessary backing to succeed internationally, emphasizing that disability is not a limitation.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo, born on March 11, 1985, in Jos, Plateau State, is a distinguished Paralympian. She is married to another Paralympic athlete and has a child. Her impressive career includes winning a silver medal in the women’s 75kg category at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, a gold medal at the 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships, and setting a new world record of 152.5kg in 2021. Oluwafemiayo also won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the heavyweight event.
