The 2024 Summer Paralympics, hosted in Paris, France, is a significant event in the world of sports, celebrating the incredible talents and achievements of athletes with disabilities. The competition features world-class athletes from across the globe, representing various sports and disciplines. This article highlights the athletes list for the Paralympics 2024, their accomplishments, and key facts about the Games.
Introduction to the 2024 Paralympics
The 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, with over 4,400 athletes competing from more than 168 countries. The event features 22 sports and over 500 events, making it one of the largest sporting events for athletes with disabilities.
Countries Participating in the 2024 Paralympics
A total of 168 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) are set to participate in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Among them, three countries are making their debut:
- Eritrea
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
These new entrants mark a significant milestone for global inclusivity in Paralympic sports.
Notable Athletes in the Paralympics 2024
1. Australia
- Daniela di Toro – Competing in her eighth Paralympics in tennis and table tennis.
- Angie Ballard – Participating in her seventh Games in athletics.
- Lauren Parker – Achieved gold medals in both triathlon and cycling.
- Indigenous Athletes: Amanda Reid (cycling), Ruby Storm (swimming), Telaya Blacksmith (athletics), Samantha Schmidt (athletics).
- Newcomers: 61 Australian athletes making their Paralympic debut.
2. India
- Simran Sharma – Competed in 100m and 200m T12 events, reaching the finals.
- Sharad Kumar – Won a bronze medal in the T63 high jump with a height of 1.88 meters.
- Sumit Antil – Dominated the javelin throw F64 category, securing a gold medal with a throw of 70.59 meters.
3. Neutral Paralympic Athletes (NPA)
Due to geopolitical reasons, athletes from Russia and Belarus are competing under the designation “Neutral Paralympic Athletes” (NPA).
- Total Athletes: 96
- Medal Tally: 26 Gold, 22 Silver, 23 Bronze
- Sports Represented: Athletics, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and more.
4. United States
- Tatyana McFadden – Won gold in the women’s 800m T54 event.
- Jessica Long – Secured gold in the 100m butterfly S8 category.
- Wheelchair Basketball Team – Won the gold medal, reinforcing their dominance.
5. Great Britain
- Sarah Storey – Added two gold medals in cycling, bringing her total Paralympic golds to 17.
- Hannah Cockroft – Won gold in the 100m T34 sprint.
- Maisie Summers-Newton – Achieved gold in the 200m individual medley SM6 (swimming).
Emerging Nations in the Paralympics 2024
Eritrea
- Athlete: Sibhatu Weldemariam (Athletics)
- Event: Sprint races
- Significance: First-ever Paralympian from Eritrea.
Kiribati
- Athlete: Ongio Timeon (Athletics)
- Event: Long-distance races
- Significance: First Paralympian representing Kiribati.
Kosovo
- Athlete: Grevist Bytyci (Athletics)
- Event: Sprint and middle-distance races
- Significance: Kosovo’s debut in the Paralympic Games.
Paris 2024 Paralympics: Key Highlights
- Opening Ceremony: August 28, 2024, in Paris, France.
- Total Athletes: Over 4,400 competitors.
- New Sports: Para-taekwondo and Para-badminton will feature for the first time.
- Top Contenders: USA, China, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil are expected to dominate the medal tally.
Conclusion
The 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris is set to be a historic event, showcasing remarkable talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship. With new countries debuting, record-breaking athletes, and fierce competition, these Games promise to be an inspiration for millions worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Paralympics 2024 athletes list and their incredible journeys!