Folashade Oluwafemiayo
Picnews
Folashade Oluwafemiayo has once again made history by breaking her own world record in the women’s over 86kg para-powerlifting category. She lifted an incredible 168kg to claim the gold medal at the 2025 World Para-Powerlifting Championship in Cairo, Egypt. This remarkable achievement marks her fourth world title, adding to her previous wins at the 2017 Mexico City World Championships, the 2019 Nur-Sultan World Championship, and the 2021 Tbilisi World Championships.
Oluwafemiayo’s latest triumph is a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance. She became the first para-athlete in history to lift 167kg at the Paris Paralympics, earning gold for Nigeria. Her record-breaking performance not only cements her position as one of the greatest para-powerlifters but also highlights Nigeria’s dominance in the sport.
The 40-year-old Nigerian athlete has had a stellar career, with multiple world records and Paralympic gold medals under her belt. She won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, lifting 151kg to finish ahead of her rivals. Oluwafemiayo’s journey to greatness has been marked by resilience and redemption, including a comeback after a two-year suspension and a subsequent pregnancy.
Other Nigerian athletes have also made notable achievements at the championship. Rita Ferdinard won gold in the women’s 79kg category on her World Championship debut, lifting 142kg in her first attempt and 148kg in her second. Tolulope Ogundolie secured a silver medal for Nigeria in the women’s 41kg category. These achievements demonstrate Nigeria’s enduring strength in para-powerlifting, with the country’s athletes continuing to excel on the global stage.
