Nigeria’s Bose Omolayo put up a stellar performance in the women’s Up to 79kg Para Powerlifting category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, earning a hard-fought Silver medal.
Omolayo, a seasoned competitor in the sport, lifted an impressive 145kg to secure her place on the podium.
Yhis marked another Paralympic triumph for Omolayo, who had previously claimed Gold medals in the same category at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The 34-year-old Nigerian powerlifter wasted no time in making her mark, successfully lifting 145kg on her first attempt.
This lift not only secured her the Silver medal but also shattered her own previous Paralympic Record of 141kg, which she had set during the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her early display of strength solidified her status as one of the top competitors in the field.
However, the competition grew more intense as China’s Han Miayou, the reigning World Record holder, took to the platform.
Han opened with a powerful 146kg lift, instantly surpassing Omolayo’s record-breaking performance.
Omolayo, determined to reclaim the top spot, attempted a challenging 151kg lift. Unfortunately, this attempt appeared to aggravate a lingering injury in her right arm, making it impossible for her to complete the lift on her third try.
Despite the injury, Omolayo’s determination never wavered. She remained focused, knowing that she had already secured the Silver medal.
Meanwhile, Han Miayou took full advantage of the situation. With precision and power, the Chinese lifter executed a stunning 154kg lift, breaking her own World Record and sealing her Gold medal victory.
The competition for the Bronze medal was equally fierce, with Egypt’s Safaa Hassan delivering a strong performance. Hassan lifted 139kg, earning herself a spot on the podium and adding another layer of excitement to the event.
The three powerlifters delivered a captivating display of strength and resilience, showcasing the elite level of competition in Para Powerlifting.
While Omolayo’s quest for a third consecutive Gold medal at the Paralympics was thwarted, her silver-medal performance remains a testament to her enduring skill and determination.
Despite facing physical setbacks, she continues to shine as one of Nigeria’s most decorated Paralympians.
