Folashade Oluwafemiayo, a para powerlifting sensation from Nigeria, credits her record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris to her unshakeable focus and determination. The three-time world champion became the first female para-athlete to lift an incredible 166 kg, shattering her world record in the over-86 kg division.
She broke the world record and pushed herself to new heights when, at 39, she triumphantly returned to lift an amazing 167 kg, earning her the gold medal.
Oluwafemiayo stated; “I just keep on training. Even when I’m sick, I still go for training,”
“But still, I don’t want anything that will depress me from achieving my goal”
Oluwafemiayo, who won the gold medal in the under 86kg weight class at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, had to face a fresh challenge at the Paris Games. Even though she had previously achieved success, the mood in Paris was very different from the empty stands she had seen at the Covid-affected Games in Japan, since the Porte de la Chapelle Arena was crowded with enthusiastic fans.
Oluwafemiayo overcame her initial anxiety despite the enormous crowd. She ultimately rose to the situation, demonstrating once more why she is a champion.
She said; “My first lift, I was shivering somehow, but coming out for the second one, that confidence just came”
She added; “I was praying that God just give me the strength, so the confidence just came from nowhere. I have that confidence to do more”