Cypriot weightlifter Maria Markou finished in 9th place in the Paralympic Games on Friday, competing in the 61-kilogram category.

Markou lifted a total of 95kg in her first lift, though her second and third attempts, trying to lift 100kg and then 102kg, were unsuccessful.

The competition’s eventual winner, Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark, set a new world record, lifting a total of 150kg. China’s Jianjin Cui and Mexico’s Amalia Perez Vazquez won the silver and bronze medals.

Markou was the last Cypriot Paralympian to compete in this year’s Games, after long jumper Viktoras Pentaras’ seventh-placed finish and swimmer Karolina Pelendritou’s two-medal haul.

She had moved down a weight category since the last Paralympics three years ago in Tokyo, where she finished in seventh place in the 67kg category.

Speaking to sports website Metrosport last year, she said the change had “initially been difficult”, but that “with the help of a nutritionist, a sports psychologist, and my coach, we managed it.”

She also spoke with the Cyprus News Agency, saying she was “ready to meet the challenge” of this year’s games.

“I hope my participation will inspire other people to follow their dreams and believe in their own strengths,” she added.