Nigerian Ruel Ishaku stole the limelight in the first day’s powerlifting competition by winning the first gold with a new world record at the Beijing Paralympics, early today.

Ishaku, 40, rubbished the record of the entire Nigerian contingent of able bodies, who failed to win a single gold medal in the recently concluded Olympic Games in Beijing.

The lifter hoisted 167.5kg to win the gold in the men’s 48 kilograms category. He lifted 169kg in his fourth attempt and broke both the world records, previously set by Wu Guoying of China, at the 2007 National Games in Kunming.

“It’s my dream to win a gold and break the world record,” said Ishaku happily. Omar Qarada of Jordan took the silver with 162.5kg, while Eay Simay of Laos finished third in 157.5kg.

“I’ve been planning this gold for eight years,” said Ishaku, bronze medallist of the event in the 2004 Athens Paralympics. “In the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, I failed to win a medal due to injury. In 2004, I made a technical mistake and only finished third.”

bluehorizo:

Ishaku, 40, rubbished the record of the entire Nigerian contingent of able bodies, who failed to win a single gold medal in the recently concluded Olympic Games in Beijing.

We have actually won more gold medals and a silver , does this mean that Nigeria is a paralyzed country ? for the able bodied not to get a gold medal and disabled guys can do better is , (help me fill in the gap )

The guy said he has been preparing for SEVEN years. That is a lesson for everyone that success does not come by
the FIRE BRIGADE approach

Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi and Lucy Ogechukwu Ejike also won gold medals yesterday. That goes to show that whatever your situation is in life, there is still hope for glory. If disability couldn't stop these people, nothing can stop us even if it's our own government. Keep your head up, my people.

We have actually won more gold medals and a silver , does this mean that Nigeria is a paralyzed country ? for the able bodied not to get a gold medal and disabled guys can do better is , (help me fill in the gap )

A_K_O:

Congrats!!!


Olympic gold is for people who prepare well ahead. Our able-bodied athletes prepare as if they are going for inter-house sports.