Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo fought back emotions after smashing the World Record to win the Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, dedicating her latest triumph to her husband and children, whose unwavering support inspired her remarkable performance.
After lifting a world-record 134.8kg to lead another Nigerian one-two finish alongside silver medallist Rita Ferdinand, the defending Commonwealth champion reflected on the sacrifices behind her success.
“It brings me great happiness,” Folashade said.
“My husband is not here, but he is my backbone. He has been the one encouraging me, pushing me. He always tells me, ‘You can do it, my wife.’ So I thank him very well. I am very, very delighted.”
The Nigerian star said passion, resilience and faith have been the pillars of her glittering career.
“Passion is one of it. When you have passion, resilience and you have faith in your work, I believe there’s nothing you cannot do. You get what you want.”
Asked about Nigeria’s remarkable dominance in the women’s para powerlifting events, Folashade attributed the success to hard work and determination.
“It’s passion, training and resilience.”
The celebrations, she revealed, would begin with a phone call home.
“My husband is waiting for me. I’m going to call him. He’s very happy at home, and my kids have been praying, ‘Mommy, go there and bring the gold.’ So I’m very, very happy.”
Speaking affectionately about her children, Folashade added:
“They are very, very lovely kids. This morning when I called, the little one was telling me, ‘Mommy, go there…'”
The emotional victory crowned another unforgettable day for Team Nigeria, as Folashade’s world-record performance helped extend the country’s dominance in para powerlifting and lifted its medal haul at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
