Sports
Global Athletes to Watch at the Paris Paralympics
The Paris Paralympics, the first summer Paralympics to be hosted by France, are set to welcome about 4,500 athletes worldwide. Competitors will participate in 22 sports over 11 days, with 549 gold medals up for grabs.
The event will feature a mix of seasoned international stars and newcomers aiming to leave their mark on the global stage. Below is a look at some of the global athletes expected to shine when the action starts on Thursday, August 29.
Table of Contents
1. Simone Barlaam (Italy) – Para-Swimming
Simone Barlaam has been instrumental in Italy’s rise as a Paralympic powerhouse in swimming. Born with one leg shorter than the other due to a hip issue, Barlaam began swimming competitively at 14 and made his international debut at the 2017 World Championships.
Despite struggling at his first Paralympics in Tokyo, where he still managed to win gold, two silvers, and a bronze, Barlaam is a strong favorite in Paris. He will compete in several events, including the S9 400m freestyle and the S9 100m butterfly.
2. Diede de Groot (Netherlands) – Wheelchair Tennis
Diede de Groot is the reigning world number one in both singles and doubles wheelchair tennis. She was born with her right leg shorter than the other and began playing wheelchair tennis at the age of seven.
Since her breakthrough in 2017, De Groot has dominated the sport, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and gold medals. In Paris, she will aim to defend her titles in both singles and doubles events.
3. Marcel Hug (Switzerland) – Para-Athletics
Marcel Hug, often called the “Silver Bullet” due to his silver helmet, is one of para-athletics stars. After finishing second at the London 2012 Paralympics, Hug made his breakthrough at the Rio 2016 Games, winning his first gold in the T54 800m and marathon.
He continued his dominance in Tokyo, winning four gold medals. Hug is expected to compete in several events in Paris, including the T54 5,000m and marathon.
4. Oksana Masters (United States) – Para-Cycling
Oksana Masters is a multi-sport star, excelling in both summer and winter Paralympics. Born in Ukraine with multiple birth defects due to the Chornobyl disaster, Masters was adopted by an American woman and eventually had both legs amputated.
She started her sporting career as a rower, winning bronze at the London 2012 Games before switching to Para-cycling and cross-country skiing. Masters has since won multiple gold medals across both sports, and she is expected to add to her tally in Paris.
5. Markus Rehm (Germany) – Para-Athletics
Markus Rehm, known as the “Blade Jumper,” is the overwhelming favorite to win his fourth Paralympic long jump title in Paris. After losing his right leg below the knee in a wakeboarding accident, Rehm began using a bladed prosthesis and has become the star of Para-athletics.
His current world record of 8.72m is the ninth-longest jump of all time. Despite being unable to compete in the Olympics due to a ruling that his prosthesis gives him an advantage, Rehm remains a dominant figure in the Paralympics.
6. Sheetal Devi (India) – Para-Archery
At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi is one of the youngest competitors at the Paris Paralympics. Born with phocomelia, a condition that left her without upper limbs, Devi shoots arrows using her feet.
She is the first and only female Para-archer to compete internationally without arms. Devi discovered archery three years ago and has since won multiple medals, including gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a silver at the World Championships.
Athlete Comparisons
| Athlete | Sport | Major Achievements | Event Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simone Barlaam | Para-Swimming | Multiple World Champion, Paralympic gold medals | S9 400m: 29 Aug; S9 100m: 3 Sep |
| Diede de Groot | Wheelchair Tennis | World No. 1 in singles and doubles, multiple Grand Slams | Singles Final: 6 Sep; Doubles Final: 5 Sep |
| Marcel Hug | Para-Athletics | 6 Paralympic golds, multiple World Championship titles | T54 5,000m: 31 Aug; Marathon: 8 Sep |
| Oksana Masters | Para-Cycling | Multi-sport Paralympian, multiple golds in cycling and skiing | Time Trial: 4 Sep; Road Race: 5 Sep |
| Markus Rehm | Para-Athletics | World record holder, 3 Paralympic golds | T64 Long Jump: 4 Sep |
| Sheetal Devi | Para-Archery | Asian Para Games gold, World Championship silver | Event details TBD |
FAQs
Q1: When will the Paris Paralympics take place?
The Paris Paralympics are scheduled from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
Q2: How can I watch the Paralympics?
The Paralympics will be broadcast on major sports channels and streaming platforms worldwide.
Q3: Are there any new sports in the Paris Paralympics?
Yes, Para-badminton and Para-taekwondo will make their debut.
Q4: Who is the most decorated Paralympian in history?
Sarah Storey from Great Britain is one of the most decorated Paralympians, with 14 gold medals.
Q5: Which country won the most medals at the last Paralympics?
China won the most medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, with 207 medals, including 96 golds.
Conclusion
The Paris Paralympics are set to be a thrilling event, featuring some of the world’s most talented and inspiring athletes. From seasoned champions like Marcel Hug and Markus Rehm to rising stars like Sheetal Devi, these athletes will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide. As we look forward to the games, let’s celebrate the determination, skill, and spirit of these incredible competitors.
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