"VAN" (Olympic Desk - Paris, France - 07.09.2024) :: Nigerian Para powerlifter Onyinyechi Mark came into her debut Paralympic Games looking to conquer the world. When she leaves Paris, she’ll carry with her a gold medal and new world record.
Paris 2024 is Mark’s first taste of this stage, but she arrived as world champion in the up to 61kg category after success in Dubai last year.
She broke the world record twice back-to-back in her debut at La Chapelle Arena on September 6. Her final regular lift was 147kg, breaking the world record, before a 150kg Power Lift just moments later which broke the world record again, securing her gold medal.
Targeting gold at LA 2028
The 23-year-old psyches herself up for each lift with a huge roar, and admitted she was targeting glory, despite her relative inexperience.
She is not resting on her laurels either. Less than hour after winning her first, she is already targeting a second Para powerlifting title in four years' time.
“I will train harder to make sure I will get my gold back again in LA.
“It is all about training. When you want something you have to work for it. You must be focused and know what you want; I’m proud of myself. Everyone starts somewhere; work hard for yourself. Don’t say you can’t do it, you have to try and you will succeed.
“My life has changed a lot; when I train I say to myself that I need to focus and make sure,” Mark told the IPC.
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