Nigerian Powerlifter, Esther Oyema Breaks World Record At The Commonwealth Games

At the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Nigerian para powerlifter, Esther Oyema set a world record in women’s lightweight by lifting 126kg. Now, she has just smashed the record by lifting an incredible 131kg at the 21st edition of the games taking place in Gold Coast, Australia.

The feat gave Oyema a total of 141.6 points to claim gold in the division. While this is her third consecutive Commonwealth title, it’s not the first time the Paralympian is breaking her own record in powerlifting. In 2015, she won a gold medal at the All-Africa Games by lifting 133kg and beating her previous record of 126kg.

Nigeria has dominated para powerlifting since it was introduced in the games in 2010. So, it’s no surprise Oyema’s main competitor was Lucy Ejike who won silver with a lift of 134.1kg.

Aside from Oyema and Ejike, Nigeria has other powerlifters at the games to thank for currently having eight medals – which puts the country at number 10 on the overall medal standings.