Team Nigeria clinched its second medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as Esther Ogechi Nworgu won the silver medal in the women’s up to 41 kg para-powerlifting.
Nworgu set two new Paralympic records (PR) with her last two attempts, lifting 112 kg and 118 kg, respectively. However, the Nigerian just fell short, finishing behind China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new PR of 119 kg to win the gold medal.
It took Four Paralympic Records to separate China’s Zhe Cui and Nigeria’s Esther Nworgu, who both won GOLD and Silver medals respectively in women’s 41kg Para-Powerlifting event.
Nworgu is the first Nigerian Powerlifter to compete in Paris, there are seven more to come. You… pic.twitter.com/i6WtankF1V
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) September 4, 2024
The para-athlete started off lifting 106 kg in her first attempt before setting a new PR with a lift of 112 kg to temporarily jump into the lead. Cui then responded with a new record of 113 kg to surpass the Nigerian, who turned the heat up by aiming for 118 kg in her third attempt, which she lifted to set another Paralympics record.
However, the Chinese Cui was not ready to surrender, as she came back again to usurp Nworgu and set a new PR record with her 199 kg. Although she aimed to attempt another record of 124 kg, she was unable to surpass the attempt.
Meanwhile, Brazilian de LIMA Lara Aparecida claimed the bronze medal with a best lift of 109kg.
Nworgu follows Para-badminton player Mariam Eniola Bolaji as Nigeria’s only medallist in the Paris 2024 Paralympics so far after the latter won Africa’s first-ever medal in the Para-badminton event.
