Folashade Oluwafemiayo of Nigeria won the women's heavyweight para-powerlifting gold medal and set three world records on Friday in Glasgow, Scotland [1].
This performance solidifies Nigeria's dominance in para-powerlifting and marks a historic achievement for the athlete during the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The victory underscores the high level of athletic preparation by Team Nigeria in the heavyweight division.
Oluwafemiayo's victory contributed to a successful day for her country, as she secured the second gold medal for Nigeria in para-powerlifting on that day [2]. Her performance was characterized by a series of lifts that pushed the boundaries of the sport. Rita Ferdinand said world records tumbled as Oluwafemiayo won the gold in the heavyweight division, with three world records set in the event [1].
The athlete entered the competition with a significant pedigree as a four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist. Because of her experience and standing in the sport, the National Sports Commission Director said Oluwafemiayo was named captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow [2].
Competing in the heavyweight category, Oluwafemiayo maintained her status as a top global contender. The event in Glasgow served as a platform for the Nigerian team to surge ahead in the para-powerlifting standings. Her three record-breaking lifts [1] emphasize the gap between the champion and the rest of the field in this specific weight class.
“World records tumbled as Folashade Oluwafemiayo won Nigeria's second Para Powerlifting gold of the day”
Oluwafemiayo's ability to break three world records in a single event suggests a shift in the performance ceiling for women's heavyweight para-powerlifting. By combining her role as team captain with this level of individual success, she provides both a psychological and competitive blueprint for Nigeria's para-athletics program on the international stage.
