Onye Lauritta, a 40-year-old Nigerian Paralympian athlete, is a world record holder in shot put. She has won two world championships medals and two Paralympic medals. Her journey to success began in 2011 when her event was included at the All Africa Games in Maputo, where she won a silver medal in shot put. Fueled by her success, Onye trained hard for the 2015 African Championships and won gold in shot put with a world record throw of 7.59 meters. She also won silver in discus throw at the same event. Continuing her winning streak, she went on to win gold at the Doha 2015 International Paralympic Championships, setting a new world record of 7.72 meters. In 2016, Onye made history by winning Nigeria’s first medal in the athletes event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She clinched gold in the women’s shot put f40 with a world record throw of 8.40 meters. Despite settling for bronze at the Tokyo 2022 Paralympic Games, Onye’s achievements continue to inspire many.
One of Onye Lauritta’s happiest moments was her victory dance at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Her energetic dance moves, catwalks, and friendly gestures captured the hearts of spectators, earning her the title of “the dancing queen.” This iconic moment symbolizes the spirit of the Paralympic Games and serves as an inspiration to people with disabilities worldwide.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Onye Lauritta faced disappointment when she was not invited to a reception held by the Nigerian President to honor athletes and coaches. This lack of recognition saddened her, but her love for sports and strong mental resilience kept her motivated.
After returning from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Onye’s home state government showered medalists with cash and car gifts, but she was excluded because she resides in Lagos, not in her home state of Imo. This exclusion was disheartening, but Onye’s determination and passion for sports remained unwavering. Onye Lauritta, also known as Laury White in the acting world, hails from Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Her outstanding achievements in sports deserve national honor and recognition for her dedication and perseverance.
