Esther Nworgu, a Nigerian Paralympics powerlifter, expressed on Wednesday that winning the silver medal in Paris felt “like heaven,” especially after dislocating her shoulder just two days prior.

Nworgu, who became wheelchair-bound in her childhood, narrowly missed out on the gold medal in the bench press event to defending champion Cui Zhe from China, finishing just one kilogram short in the up to 41kg category.

Despite her remarkable achievement, the 21-year-old faced significant challenges, as she was primarily lifting the bar with one arm due to her recent injury.

“I was so emotional because I never expected any medal from this competition,” Nworgu told reporters.

“I had an injury two days ago and the doctors confirmed that I should not compete because it was critical.

“There is no adjective I can use to quantify my happiness right now.

“It is like heaven to me,” the wheelchair user, adorned with substantial strapping on her right shoulder, proceeded after the medal ceremony.

Nworgu, an eight-year-old girl, unfortunately lost the ability to use her legs without any apparent medical explanation. Approximately ten years ago, she commenced her journey in the realm of sports.

“I accepted my disability, joined it with the love in my personality and this (the medal) is the result,” she said.

“I don’t like using “d-i-s” in my ability, I like using “th-i-s” in my ability.

“When there is disability there is ability and what people see as ‘disability’ is not what I see, I see it as a strength and an ability.

“In sport, there are many things you have to realise about yourself.

“Sport is like an X-ray, it brings you out and shows what you are inside,” She added in a philosophical manner.

Nworgu is competing in a robust Nigerian powerlifting contingent in the French capital, which features eight athletes, including several world record holders.

Their remarkable achievements in the sport are attributed to government investment in coaching.

Following her silver medal win and a temporary world record, Nworgu collapsed in celebration alongside her coach, Patience Igbiti, who earned silver and bronze medals at the Paralympics in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

“Nigerians are strong people. Our strength comes from the mind,” Nworgu, with a smile on his face, made a statement on the inaugural day of powerlifting at the 2024 Games.

“When you tell yourself ‘I can do this’ you see yourself doing it.

“When you speak it in your mind you see your body doing it,” she added.

In the upcoming 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, China’s gold medalist Zhe will be 41 years old, while Nworgu will be approaching her 26th birthday.

“In the nearby future, I want to rule my world,” Nworgu said.

“I want to win medals, break and create world records,” she added.