Hellen Wawira Shatters Personal Record at Paris Paralympics: Finishes Sixth in Powerlifting Showdown

• September 5, 2024
• Ethan Carrington
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Kenya’s Hellen Wawira Kariuki Breaks Personal Best at Paris 2024

It was a momentous occasion at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games held in the iconic La Chapelle Arena. Up against unparalleled competition, Kenya's Hellen Wawira Kariuki, a two-time world champion in powerlifting, delivered an awe-inspiring performance in the women's under-41 kilograms powerlifting event. Known for her unwavering determination and strength, Wawira managed to surpass her personal best lift by hoisting a monumental 101kg. Although her tremendous effort placed her sixth in the final standings, it was a remarkable achievement given the fierce level of competition.

The event was tightly contested, with Wawira beginning her campaign with a solid 98kg in her first attempt. The nerves of the initial lift behind her, she successfully increased her lift to 99kg in her second attempt, showing remarkable consistency and focus. The crowning moment came when she smashed her personal record by lifting 101kg in her final attempt, a testament to her relentless training and hard work.

A Star-Studded Podium in Paris

While Wawira’s heroic efforts were commendable, the gold medal in this prestigious event was claimed by China’s awe-inspiring athlete, CUI Zhe. She set an astonishing new Paralympic record by lifting 119kg, showcasing an exceptional blend of power and grace. Nigeria's Esther Nworgu, equally sensational, clinched the silver medal after setting two new Paralympic records with her lifts of 112kg and 118kg respectively. These performances catapulted her into the spotlight, although she was eventually surpassed by CUI Zhe. The third spot on the podium went to De Lima Lara Aparecida from Brazil, who brought home the bronze medal, rounding out a superb display of international powerlifting prowess.

Significant Achievements for Team Nigeria

Nworgu's silver medal added another shining feather to Team Nigeria’s cap, marking their second medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Earlier in the games, Eniola Bolaji had secured a win in the women's singles SL3 badminton event, setting the stage for Nworgu’s stellar performance in powerlifting. This exemplifies Nigeria's diverse talent pool and their ability to excel across different sporting disciplines.

Kenya’s Samson Ojuka Shines in Long Jump

The celebrations for Kenyan athletes did not stop with Wawira's performance. Samson Ojuka, a dedicated long jump competitor and final-year law student at Kenyatta University, brought immense pride to his country with a historic achievement. Ojuka’s fourth jump of 6.20 meters set a new African record, surpassing the previous record of 6.05 meters held by Andrea Dalle Ave from South Africa since 2015. This incredible leap earned Ojuka a well-deserved silver medal, highlighting his prowess and potential in the sport.

Ojuka was visibly elated with his achievement and expressed his lofty ambition to break the world record in future competitions. His dedication to academics and athletics is truly inspiring and sets a sterling example for aspiring athletes. Samson Ojuka is scheduled to return to Kenya on Thursday morning, where he is expected to receive a hero’s welcome.

A Celebratory Moment for Kenya

The triumphant performances of Hellen Wawira Kariuki and Samson Ojuka have brought a wave of pride and joy to Kenya. These athletes have shown that with dedication, discipline, and determination, they can compete against the best in the world and emerge victorious. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for many young athletes in Kenya and across Africa. As the sports community continues to celebrate these remarkable achievements, one can only anticipate more stellar performances from these talented athletes in the future. For Kenya, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be remembered not only for the medals won but for the indomitable spirit of its athletes who continue to push boundaries and redefine excellence.