Folashade Oluwafemiayo is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the refusal to accept limitations.
At 39 years old, the Nigerian powerlifting champion has not only shattered records in her sport but also overcome profound personal challenges to emerge as an inspiration for many.
Oluwafemiayo, who uses a wheelchair, is a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s para-powerlifting squad, a team that has consistently dominated the medal tables at recent Paralympic Games.
Her journey, however, began with a dream far removed from the weightlifting platform.
“My ambition was to become a nurse,” she told BBC Sport Africa.
But that dream was derailed by discrimination when a family friend, a matron, refused to help her apply, simply because of her disability.
The rejection left her devastated, reinforcing a painful belief that people with disabilities were destined to face barriers at every turn.
Born and raised in Jos, Nigeria, Oluwafemiayo lost the use of her legs to polio at the age of three. Her childhood was marked by the painful reality of watching other children run and play, while she was confined to crawling.
Yet, her life took a pivotal turn as a teenager when her uncle introduced her to para-sport. In 1999, she began powerlifting at the Rwang Pwam Stadium in Jos, although her initial experiences were far from promising.
The pain from training made her want to quit, but a determined coach, John Oguntoye, saw her potential and refused to let her give up.
This decision to persist changed her life. By 2010, she was a part of Nigeria’s national powerlifting team, and in 2012, she competed in her first Paralympics in London, where she broke a world record and won a silver medal in the 75kg category.
However, her career faced a major setback when she was banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance. The incident was not due to intentional doping but rather a result of a medical error following a miscarriage. Despite the ban and missing the 2016 Paralympics due to pregnancy, Oluwafemiayo’s spirit remained unbroken.
Since her return to competition, Oluwafemiayo has achieved remarkable success, claiming world, Commonwealth, and Paralympic titles, including a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the 86kg category.
Her achievements on the international stage have not only brought her personal satisfaction but have also served to challenge perceptions of what individuals with disabilities can accomplish.
“What an able body can do, I can do it too,” she declares, a mantra that underscores her relentless drive and determination.
As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she will compete in the +86kg category, Oluwafemiayo has been named the general captain of Team Nigeria.
Her training routine is grueling, involving early mornings and long commutes to the National Stadium Power Gym in Lagos. Her dedication has not only earned her accolades but also inspired her two young sons, who often join her in workouts at home.
Oluwafemiayo’s strength is not just physical; it is also rooted in the support of her family, particularly her husband, Tolu-Lope Taiwo, who is also a Paralympic athlete. Together, they are raising a new generation that understands the true meaning of resilience and the power of pushing beyond limits.
Looking ahead, Oluwafemiayo hopes to continue breaking records and inspiring future athletes in Nigeria and across Africa.
“I want to make Africa proud,” she says. “This won’t be my last Paralympic Games. I’m still training for more and I’m targeting more world records.”
Folashade Oluwafemiayo’s story is one of athletic prowess! It is story about overcoming adversity, defying expectations, and proving that with determination, anything is possible.
