Nigeria’s Esther Nworgu won a silver medal in the women’s 41kg powerlifting category at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris on Wednesday.
This achievement marks Team Nigeria’s second medal in powerlifting events, following Eniola Bolaji’s bronze medal win in badminton.
Nworgu’s impressive performance saw her lift 118kg, narrowly missing out on the gold medal to China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new Paralympic Games record with a lift of 119kg. Cui, a silver medalist at the previous Olympics, took the top spot on the podium.
The competition saw Nworgu start strong with a lift of 106kg, placing her second behind Cui’s initial lift of 108kg.
Nworgu continued to push herself, lifting 112kg, while Cui extended her lead with a 113kg lift.
Despite losing the use of her legs as a child, 21-year-old Nworgu demonstrated remarkable determination and strength, lifting the bar with effectively one arm due to her injury.
She ultimately missed out on gold by a single kilogram to defending champion Cui Zhe.
Overcome with emotion, Nworgu expressed her surprise and gratitude, stating, “I never expected any medal from this competition.”
Her remarkable achievement has brought pride to Team Nigeria and inspiration to many.
