Nigerian Paralympic powerlifter Esther Nworgu said winning the silver medal in Paris was “like heaven” after dislocating her shoulder just two days before the competition.
Nworgu, who lost the use of her legs as a child, narrowly missed gold in the bench press in the up to 41kg category, finishing just one kilogram behind China’s defending champion Cui Zhe. Due to her injury, she was lifting with only one arm.
“I was so emotional because I never expected any medal from this competition,” Nworgu told reporters. “The doctors said I should not compete because it was critical. There is no adjective to describe my happiness right now. It is like heaven to me.”
Nworgu began powerlifting a decade ago after losing the use of her legs at age eight. She views her disability as a strength and believes that sports reveal one’s true potential.
The Nigerian powerlifting team, which includes eight competitors and several world record holders, benefits from significant government support in coaching.
Nworgu, who celebrated her silver medal with coach Patience Igbiti, a Paralympic medalist herself, looks ahead to future competitions. “In the nearby future, I want to rule my world,” she said. “I want to win medals, break and create world records.”
