World records were broken by Folashade Oluwafemiayo, securing Nigeria’s second Para Powerlifting gold of the day in the Heavyweight division. Oluwafemiayo set three world records in the event, breaking the record twice in the +86kg category with a best lift of 175kg. Rita Ferdinand, also from Nigeria, achieved a world-record 158kg lift in the +79kg category, earning the silver medal. Hani Watson from Australia clinched the bronze.
Nigeria’s dominance was evident as they surged to the top of the medal table after an impressive performance in the first two sessions of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Esther Nworgu and Esther Oyema secured gold and silver, respectively, in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event. Roland Ezuruike also contributed with a silver in the Men’s Lightweight category.
With one gold and two silver medals, Nigeria leads the medal tally, followed by England with one gold and one bronze. Malaysia holds the third spot with one bronze medal. Mark Swan from England claimed the first gold medal of the Games in the Men’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting category, showcasing a remarkable performance.
In a dramatic turn of events, Swan and Nigerian veteran Roland Ezuruike were tied for gold going into the final round. Despite strong competition from Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, Swan emerged victorious with a lift of 222kg. The Men’s Lightweight category, which included athletes up to 72kg, saw medals awarded based on a coefficient formula to ensure fair ranking against body weights.
The enthusiastic crowd, energized by Scottish actor Sam Heughan’s presence at the venue, cheered on the lifters throughout the competition. Athletes expressed their excitement at the electrifying atmosphere, with Australian Daniel Bos describing the experience as surreal and unique.
