Alice Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a Nigerian woman, made history by becoming the heaviest para powerlifter in the -79 kg category with a remarkable 144 kg lift in December 2021.
Oluwafemiayo’s world record-breaking performance brought cheer to Nigeria after facing some disqualifications.
During the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nigeria began the day with a strong history of winning all 12 golds in the sport’s presence at the Games. However, on that day, four different countries claimed titles, and there were moments of heartbreak for some Nigerian athletes, including Latifat Tijani and Onyinyechi Gift Mark, who were disqualified from the women’s lightweight event for arriving late.
Nonetheless, Oluwafemiayo’s performance in the women’s heavyweight final was exceptional. She secured gold with lifts of 130kg and 150kg and then achieved a sensational 155kg lift, setting a new world record and scoring 123.4 points. Her compatriot, Bose Omolayo, the 79kg Paralympic champion, secured second place with 115.2 points from a 142kg lift.
In the men’s lightweight event, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin of Malaysia, the 72kg Paralympic champion, set a Games record with lifts of 210kg, 216kg, and 220kg, earning him a massive 154.6 points and the gold medal. England’s Mark Swan took second place with 145.5 points from a 202kg lift on his final attempt, while Nigeria’s Nnamdi Innocent won bronze with a lift of 190kg.
In the men’s heavyweight event, India’s Sudhir broke a Games record with a 212kg lift, securing 134.5 points and the gold medal. Abdulazeez Ibrahim of Nigeria withdrew from the competition after two unsuccessful 190kg lifts, but his compatriot Ikechukwu Obichukwu won silver with 133.6 points from a 197kg lift. Scotland’s Micky Yule finished third with 130.9 points from a 192kg lift.
Despite some disappointments, the achievements of Alice Folashade Oluwafemiayo and other athletes brought pride and joy to Nigeria during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At Nigerian Books of Record, we keep track of record breakers, impact makers, and change agents. We aim to document, celebrate, and honor the remarkable achievements and excellent records of people.
By honoring new generations of game-changers and sharing their authentic stories, we aim to break boundaries, entertain, inspire, and inform the world.
Books of Record will always strive to encourage, find, and share the uniqueness in every achiever who has distinguished themselves through hard work in every professional calling of life.
Always visit this platform for the latest updates on any of our inductions. Send us an email for suggestions on how we can serve you better or suggestions on the next NBR Hall of Famer.
Advertise with us here.
Please, follow Nigerian Books of Record on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This article had me hooked! For further reading, check out: DISCOVER MORE. What are your thoughts?