Josephine Orji

Josephine Precious Orji (born 8 April 1979) is a Nigerian professional powerlifter. On 14 September 2016, she won gold in the women's +86kg category at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Brazil before she went on to set a new world and Games record by lifting 160 kg (350 lb) at the same event.[1][2]

Josephine Precious Orji
Orji with her world record gold medal for Nigeria
Personal information
Nickname(s)Precious
Born (1979-04-08) 8 April 1979
Weight134 kg (295 lb)
Medal record
Women's Weightlifting
Representing  Nigeria
Paralympics Games
Gold medal – first placeRio 2016Women's +86 kg

Career

Josephine developed a passion for powerlifting in 2001 after visiting a gym in Owerri and trying out the sport for the first time. Afterwards, she quit her job as a computer expert in a cyber café and commenced her training to develop a career in sport as a powerlifter.[3]

References

  1. "Paralympic: Josephine Orji breaks new records, wins gold". Vanguard Newspaper. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  2. Duro Ikhazuagbe (15 September 2016). "Nigeria's Josephine Orji Shatters World Record at Rio Paralympics". ThisDay News. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  3. "Orji on the highs and lows of a Paralympic champion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 October 2020.


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