Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo has broken her World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg.
The powerlifting star won a gold medal on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in addition to her record-breaking performance which is an improvement from her existing WR of 165kg.
The feat takes Nigeria’s overall tally at the Paralympics to seven medals overall.
Earlier, Flora Ugwunwa claimed a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a remarkable throw of 19.26 meters, finishing 2nd in a highly competitive field.
Bose Omolayo in the Women’s 79kg Para Powerlifting category, lifted an impressive 145kg to secure the silver medal for Nigeria.
Isau Ogunkunle earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis event. Ogunkunle became the first Nigerian athlete to win an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Reacting to their achievements earlier, Senator Enoh said, “We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage. Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, and they continue to inspire millions with their remarkable achievements.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to succeed on the international stage.
“Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation. As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage.”
Who is Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Folashade Alice Oluwafemiayo is a Nigerian Paralympian athlete, born on 11 March 1985.
Oluwafemiayo was born in Jos, Plateau State and she is married to another Paralympic athlete, with whom she has a child.
In 2012, Oluwafemiayo won a silver medal in the women’s 75kg category at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, breaking the world record in the process.
She also won a gold medal at the 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Mexico. However, she was suspended a year later for breaking anti-doping laws.
In 2021, she won the gold medal in her event at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. At this event, she also set a new world record of 152.5 kg.
She competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won a gold medal in the heavyweight event.
