11 Sep 2024

From the enthusiastic crowds to the entertaining action, the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 were truly unforgettable. We hear from some of the athletes and find out what made these Games so unique.

The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 have concluded after 11 days of exciting competition, during which more than 4,400 of you contested 549 medal events across 22 sports.

Thousands of supporters packed into venues across the city to cheer you on, creating an incredible atmosphere and platform to showcase Paralympic sport.

Whether it was these lively crowds, the sense of camaraderie in the Village or the legacy the Games will create, Paris 2024 was a truly special experience. We spoke to some of you to find out more.

“It gave me goosebumps”

From the blind football matches at the base of the Eiffel Tower to the taekwondo and fencing bouts at the Grand Palais, the Paralympic Games utilised the very best of the French capital’s iconic landmarks.

These venues were packed with enthusiastic fans, producing an astonishing atmosphere throughout the Games.

“It’s been epic,” said New Zealand swimmer Cameron Leslie. “The crowd support has been amazing, not just for the French but for other athletes, too.”

“There were people everywhere,” agreed cyclist Mitch Valize after earning gold medals for the Netherlands in the H5 road race and road time trial. “It really gave me goosebumps. I started to tear up a bit because of the support and huge noise from the crowd. They really helped me to the gold.”

“Honoured I can be that representation”

The Games were an opportunity for many of you to showcase your sport, raising awareness of people with disabilities and encouraging participation among those watching at home.

“It’s been crazy,” said Colombia’s Leidy Chica Chica, who earned a gold medal in the mixed pairs BC4 boccia event alongside her brother Edilson. “We have received a lot of messages from people back home in Colombia.

“One of our sisters called me, saying: ‘You’re making history right now. Everybody is paying attention to boccia because of you two.’”

“Growing up, I didn’t have that representation,” said Canadian swimmer Katarina Roxon. “I never saw that in my small community. I never knew it until I got into Para-swimming on the world stage.

“I’m honoured that I can be that representation for someone, especially back home.”

“A legacy that inspires”

Many of you have also labelled Paris 2024 as the best Games ever and a positive step for the Paralympic Movement.

“As Paralympic athletes, we keep trying to push this incredible movement, but you always just hope people show up,” said swimmer Jessica Long, who earned two gold medals for the United States, and now has 31 medals from six Paralympic Games.

“Here in Paris, it has been the most incredible crowd I’ve ever swum in front of. I think LA 2028 has some pretty big shoes – or prosthetic legs – to fill.”

“The true legacy that we get to experience is the growth of the Paralympic Movement,” added US team-mate Paul Schulte, a gold medallist in wheelchair basketball. “My first Paralympics were Sydney 2000, and it was an incredible experience, with incredible athletes.

“But to see how the sport has evolved – not only in our country but worldwide – is so exciting, and I hope this is a legacy that inspires more athletes and countries to support the Paralympic Movement.”