As the Paralympic Games in Paris approach, all eyes are on Nigerian Paralympian Lauritta Onye, the 40-year-old shot put world record holder who has become an icon both on and off the field.
Onye’s journey to stardom is a tale of resilience, passion, and an indomitable spirit that has earned her a place in the annals of Paralympic history.
Lauritta Onye’s rise to prominence began in 2011 when the shot put event was included for the first time at the All Africa Games in Maputo.
It was a breakthrough moment, and she seized the opportunity, winning silver and setting the stage for what would become a remarkable career.
Fired up by her success, Onye trained rigorously and, by 2015, had struck gold at the African Championships with a world record throw of 7.59 meters, also taking home silver in the discus throw.
The same year, Onye’s talent shone brightly on the global stage at the International Paralympic Championships in Doha, where she won gold—the only medal for Nigeria—while breaking her own world record with a throw of 7.72 meters.
But her most memorable moment came during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she not only won gold but also set a new world record of 8.40 meters. Her jubilant celebration, marked by dance steps, catwalks, somersaults, and waving the Nigerian flag, endeared her to the world, earning her the nickname “the dancing queen.”
“The dancing queen of Rio is ready to shine again in Paris,” Onye confidently declares, embodying the joy and spirit that have become synonymous with her career.
However, Onye’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After returning from Doha in 2015, she was overlooked for recognition by the Nigerian government, despite her incredible achievements. Again, after her triumphant return from Rio 2016, her home state of Imo excluded her from honors given to other medalists, citing her residence in Lagos as the reason.
Despite these setbacks, Onye’s love for the sport and her remarkable mental resilience have kept her going. She continued her winning streak, taking bronze at the Tokyo 2022 Paralympic Games with a throw of 8.29 meters, and recently won silver at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.
Beyond athletics, Onye, who also performs as an actress under the name Laury White, is a symbol of inspiration, embodying the Paralympic spirit.
As the Paris 2024 Games draw near, Lauritta Onye remains a beacon of hope and determination for all, deserving of national honor and recognition.
