How Omolayo stunned Tokyo with new Paralympic record

As she wheeled into the auditorium of the Tokyo International Forum for the 79kg class event of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Nigerian Para Powerlifter, Bose Omolayo, left no one in doubt that she was in a class of her own, reports Sportstalkafrica.com.

From the go, she blasted far ahead and with her second attempt, the gold medal was already in her kitty, even with one more attempt to spare.

Her first booking of 135kg was way above all other competitors and she lifted it with no stress.

Her closest rival, Muralova Vera of Russian Paralympic Committee, went for 132kg which she also lifted well while Ukranian Oliinyk Natalia did 125kg.

To catch up with Omolayo, Murelova went for 136kg in her second attempt but failed.

Oliinyk chose to apply caution. She went successfully for 130kg and looking content with a possible bronze medal finish, she merely added 3kg more to lift 133kg in her third attempt.

Seeing Murelova’s challenge, Omolayo increased the gap by entering 138kg in her second attempt and did it smoothly.

Murelova opted for 138kg in her third attempt even when she failed 136kg earlier. She failed again in the third attempt and it was game over.

Omolayo has had the biggest lift but she proceeded to do 141kg in her third attempt which she did successfully to set a new Paralympic Games record.

She further attempted to break the world record with a 144 booking but had a bad lift.

Murelova’s attempt to chase Omolayo however cost her the silver to settle in bronze as she ended with 130kg in her first and only successful attempt.

Oliinyk who was more cautious and respectful of Omolayo’s superiority overtook her for second place with the 133kg in her last attempt.

Speaking with Sportstalkafrica.com after the feat, Omolayo said she had determined right from the training camp in Nigeria not to concede the gold to any opponent. She added, however, that she had been shaken by Innocent Nnamdi’s loss and Lucy Ejike’s drop to a bronze finish the day before.

“Winning the gold is exciting enough and doing so by setting a new Paralympic record is just great.

“I was not happy hearing that Lucy dropped to bronze and Innocent lost out yesterday. Initially, my spirit went low but I reminded myself that this was what I had been preparing for in the last two years. I had to lift myself up to put in my all for the ultimate prize and I thank God for the grace.

“I also must thank my coach and all the technical people who work with me. Most importantly, I want to thank my husband who takes me to train every morning and evening, ensuring that I am not distracted by the challenges of the home front.”