Paralympics 2024: Folashade Oluwafemiayo on setting para-powerlfiting world record

Oluwafemiayo took up powerlifting in 1999 but her career has blossomed since the London 2012 Paralympics, where she won silver in the 75kg category.

She has a Commonwealth Games gold medal in her collection alongside her world and Paralympic titles, which have made her a shining light in the sport.

Chiemeka Charles Ezenwanne, president of Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, hailed Oluwafemiayo as an “outstanding” and “dedicated” athlete.

“She is disciplined. [The] commitment is her own,” Ezenwanne told BBC Sport Africa.

“That victory is for the whole of Africa and Nigeria. I am grateful to God for her strength.”

Nigeria’s powerlifters won four medals in total in the French capital, which all came from the women on the team.

Onyinyechi Mark, making her first appearance at the Paralympics, set a new world record of 150kg in the 61kg category while fellow debutant Esther Nworgu clinched the silver medal in the 41kg class despite concerns over a dislocated shoulder.

“I never expected any medal from this competition, reason being that I made an injury and the doctors confirmed that I should not compete because it will get critical,” Nworgu told BBC Sport Africa.

“I want to rule my world. I want to win gold medals, break records and create records.

“That was my intention before coming but injury comes in.”

For Oluwafemiayo, the overriding emotion was pride.

“Being the captain of the team, I wish all of us win our medal,” Oluwafemiayo said.

“I’m very happy for Esther, Gift (Mark Onyinyechi) and Bose Omolayo, because she won silver too. So, I give God glory on behalf of them.”