- Flora Ugwunwa wins silver in the women’s javelin F54 event at Paris 2024 with a throw of 19.26 meters
- She has now secured three consecutive Paralympic medals: gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and silver at Paris 2024
- Flora advocates for more corporate support for disabled athletes, calling for equal opportunities
Flora Ugwunwa Ekurede’s story is one of grit and determination, making her one of Nigeria’s most successful Paralympians having one a medal in every international competition she has ever participated in.
Overcoming physical disability, she has not only become a multiple medalist but also a symbol of encouragement for many aspiring athletes especially those with her condition.
14 facts about Paralympian Ugwunwa
TheRadar has compiled below 15 incredible facts about her remarkable journey.
1. Silver at Paris 2024 Paralympics
In 2024, Flora added another accolade to her already impressive career by winning a silver medal in the women’s javelin F54 event at the Paralympic Games in Paris with a throw of 19.26 meters.
2. Three consecutive Paralympic medals
Flora’s career boasts three consecutive Paralympic medals. She won gold at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a silver at Paris 2024.
3. Nigerian Para-Athletics’ first medal at Paris 2024
Her silver in the 2024 Paralympics was Nigeria’s first medal in para-athletics at the Paris games, bringing the country’s tally to four medals.
4. World record at Rio 2016
Flora set a world record with a throw of 20.25 meters at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won her first gold medal.
5. A career of dominance
She has dominated the javelin F54 category, retaining her Paralympic crown in Tokyo 2020 with a season-best throw of 19.39 meters.
6. Injured as a child
Flora wasn’t born with her disability. “I wasn’t born like this," she recalls. A medical mishap at age two left her paralyzed after she was given a wrong dose of injection.
7. Educational success
Despite her disability, Flora pursued education relentlessly. She studied accounting at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, exemplifying that education remained a priority for her despite her physical challenges.
8. Early sporting interests
Flora’s journey into sports began in secondary school when she was introduced to powerlifting and table tennis during the Abia State Sports Festival.
9. Transition from powerlifting to athletics
After initially competing in powerlifting, Flora transitioned to para-athletics in 2011, where she has since enjoyed global success.
10. Polio survivor
Flora likely contracted polio as a child due to a lack of vaccination, sadly, a fate shared by many children in rural Nigerian communities.
11. Consistency at international competitions
Flora has been a medalist in every international competition she has participated in since 2016, including multiple African Games and World Championships.
12. Personal life and supportive husband
Despite the hardships, Flora has a strong support system. “It is very difficult for a woman with a disability to go into sports... But with determination, hard work, and prayers, you can do it,” she said in an interview with Premium Times. She also credits her husband for his support.
13. A love for sports beyond competition
She remains passionate about contributing to the sporting community. Aside from javelin, Flora also enjoys baking and shoemaking.
14. Corporate sponsorship appeal
Flora advocates for corporate support for Paralympic athletes, noting how able-bodied athletes receive more endorsements; “If we can get just a fraction of the endorsements... it will go a long way.”
From Umuahia to Paris, Onyinyechi wins gold for Nigeria at 2024 Paralympics event
Previously, TheRadar reported that Onyinyechi Mark has etched her name in Paralympic history after delivering an incredible performance at the Paris 2024 Games, during which she lifted a staggering 145kg in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category.
This lift shattered the Paralympic record and surpassed the previous mark held by fellow Nigerian powerlifter Lucy Ejike.
