THE CONARD COURANT
Est. 1957
The 2024 Paris Paralympics
By: Nora Elnemr
Every four years, billions of people around the world sit down and watch the Olympics, whether it be gymnastics, swimming, or even break dancing. The 2024 Paris Olympics had many memorable moments, including the return of Simone Biles, the hilariously unqualified breakdancer Raygun, and that one Turkish sharpshooter who nonchalantly won silver without any gear. However, once the Olympics are over, the majority of people do not stay and watch what comes after—the Paralympics.
The Paralympic Games, or Paralympics, also known as the Games of the Paralympiad, are a periodic series of international multisport events involving athletes with a range of disabilities. Sports in the Paralympics include wheelchair tennis, paraswimming, paracycling, and more. Although not as well known as some Olympic athletes, the many athletes who competed in the Paralympic games showed and proved great strength and success that took the same amount, if not more, hard work than even the Olympic athletes.
One paralympic athlete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics is Gabriel Araújo, who competed in para swimming. The Brazilian swimmer doesn't have arms, has atrophied legs, and basically moves through the water using his hips. Despite what can be perceived as major shortcomings, Araújo took home gold medals in the 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 100m backstroke, one for each event. His rival Vladimir Danilenko gave him the title "Rocketman,” attributable to his speed. Araújo took on the name. “I hope to continue being the Rocketman,” he said. “And as they say, rockets don’t have wings, so let’s keep taking off.”​​​
Another notable paralympic athlete is Ezra Frech, who competed in para athletics. Despite being the son of Hollywood actor Bahar Soomekh, Frech did not pursue stardom like his mother and instead went on to be a paralympic athlete. Frech was born lacking fingers on his left hand and missing most of his left leg. Frech went on to accomplish amazing feats nonetheless. At nineteen years old, Frech won gold in both the 100m T63 and high jump T63 events and a 5th place finish in the long jump T63. Not only is he succeeding in his athletic career, but he also raised over $400,000 through his fundraising organization and, from a young age, has given motivational speeches at schools to raise awareness around disabilities.
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Lastly, taking part in para taekwondo is Zakia Khudadadi, a paralympic athlete from Afghanistan. After being evacuated from Kabul in 2021 during the turmoil of the American exit and the Taliban's return to power, Khudadadi went straight to the Tokyo Games, where she competed while feeling mostly in shock. Kudadadi sought asylum in France and came back this year. Khudadadi participated in the K44 category, which includes athletes who have lost one arm, have reduced function in one arm, or have lost their toes. After winning the bronze medal, the Paralympic refugee team had its first medal. Following her win, Khudadadi said, “This medal is for all the women of Afghanistan and all the refugees of the world. I hope that one day there will be peace in my country.”
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These three great paralympic athletes are not the only determined individuals who competed and gained success from the 2024 Paris Paralympics; there are clearly many more who have reached achievement, despite their physical limitations and various backgrounds. That being said, the Paralympics definitely need more media coverage, sponsorship, and cultural fanfare than the Olympics in order for the unique and successful paralympic athletes to get the right amount of attention they deserve.
Sources:
Ten Paralympic stars who lit up the Paris 2024 Games | Paris Paralympic Games 2024 | The Guardian
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/30/nx-s1-5095696/paralympics-refugee-team-taekwondo-zakia-khudadadi