2024 Paralympics Shine in Paris: A New Era of Excellence
Paris has come alive as the 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off, drawing spectators and competitors alike to the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde.
The event, a highlight on the global sports calendar, features 558 medal events covering 22 sports. It has set a new record with 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations participating, including the highest number of women’s sports athletes and events in Paralympic history.
Swimming, wheelchair basketball, and the vibrant dancing Phrygian Caps are among the many sports capturing attention.
The spectacle promises intense competition and inspiring storylines, engaging viewers worldwide through broadcasters such as USA Network, Peacock, and NBC Olympics platforms.
This Paralympics continues to honor the legacy of World War II veterans while showcasing the talents of today’s athletes.
How the Paralympics Work
The Paralympics bring together athletes with various disabilities to compete in a wide range of sports.
Events include traditional ones such as track, swimming, basketball, and volleyball, alongside unique competitions like goalball and boccia.
Athletes are classified based on their disabilities, whether they involve impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, or intellectual impairment.
To qualify, athletes must have one of ten eligible conditions. They are then grouped by the impact of their disability on performance.
Competitions cover 22 sports and numerous disciplines, such as para table tennis, wheelchair rugby, and para cycling. The medal events for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals reflect the athletes’ dedication and skill.
Some Paralympic sports, like sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, offer their own unique challenges and excitement.
Swimmers start Team USA’s medal haul
Team USA made a strong start at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in swimming events. The trio of silver medals came on Thursday in various swimming categories.
Ellie Marks clinched silver in the 50-meter freestyle S6, while Christie Raleigh-Crossley secured a silver in the 50-meter freestyle S10. Grace Nuhfer rounded out the day with a silver in the 100-meter butterfly S13.
The momentum continued on Friday, with Gia Pergolini claiming gold in the 100-meter backstroke S13. She outpaced Ireland’s Róisín Ní Ríain and Italy’s Carlotta Gilli.
Additionally, Ellie Marks added another silver to her tally in the 200-meter individual medley SM6.
This week’s historic moment featured Sarah Adam, a groundbreaking participant in wheelchair rugby, becoming the first woman to represent Team USA in the sport.
Masters, Long Lead Team USA at the Paris Paralympics
Oksana Masters, a renowned athlete, made a significant impact at the Paris Paralympics by carrying the torch during the Opening Ceremony.
She will participate in the H5 Road Race and H4-5 Individual Time Trial para cycling events next week. Masters, known for her perseverance and dedication, continues to inspire many.
Jessica Long, holding 29 Paralympic medals, is another key figure for Team USA.
Competing in four events, she aims to add more medals to her impressive collection.
She is set to compete in the 100-meter backstroke S8, 200-meter individual medley SM8, 400-meter freestyle S8, and 100-meter butterfly S8. Long’s presence in the pool is anticipated to be a highlight.
Becca Murray, who scored the most points for Team USA in wheelchair basketball at the Rio Paralympics, has returned from retirement.
Her comeback is aimed at improving the team’s performance from Tokyo’s bronze finish.
Murray’s team demonstrated their strength with a significant win over Germany, ending the game 73-44.
Katie Holloway Bridge, known for her exceptional performance in sitting volleyball, seeks to lead the US team to a third consecutive Paralympic gold.
Despite a challenging start with a 3-1 loss to China, her experience and skills are crucial for the team’s future matches. Holloway’s previous tournament MVP title underscores her importance to the team.
Teams from countries like China and Great Britain also showcased notable efforts, maintaining a competitive environment. The athletes from different nations brought their best to the games, making the Paris Paralympics an event filled with remarkable performances and intense competition.