China dominated the 2024 Paris Paralympics, finishing at the top of the gold medal table for the sixth consecutive time. The team broke an impressive 29 world records in disciplines such as swimming, athletics, and table tennis. Great Britain came in second with 49 gold medals, significantly behind China. The standout moment of the final day was when Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi broke the women’s marathon world record, finishing in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds. The Paris Paralympics featured a record number of delegations at 169 and sold 2.4 million out of 2.5 million available tickets, with around 4,400 athletes participating.
A noteworthy achievement at the Paris Paralympics was the Paralympic Refugee Team winning its first historical medal. Afghanistan-born Zakia Khudaddu secured third place in the women’s taekwondo 47kg category, marking a significant milestone for the team. Despite facing challenges such as the destruction or damage of hundreds of sports facilities due to war, Ukraine managed to almost match its Tokyo 2020 table placement at the Games. The event aimed not only to leave a sporting legacy but also to set an example in terms of inclusivity for people with disabilities. To enhance accessibility, the city of Paris underwent a substantial restoration plan as part of its development initiatives.
With nearly twice as many medals as Great Britain, China’s impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics underlined its dominance in the global sporting arena. The team’s consistent success since 2004 in Athens showcased their strength across various disciplines, breaking numerous world records in the process. While Great Britain secured 49 gold medals and claimed the second spot in the medal table, they were far behind the leaders. The extraordinary achievement on the final day by Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi breaking the women’s marathon world record added to the excitement of the Games, as she finished in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds.
The Paris Paralympics set new records with the highest number of delegations at 169 and sold a massive 2.4 million out of 2.5 million available tickets, demonstrating the widespread interest and support for the event. The participation of around 4,400 athletes from different countries added to the diversity and competitive spirit of the Games. The historical medal won by the Paralympic Refugee Team, thanks to Zakia Khudaddu’s achievement in women’s taekwondo, highlighted the event’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. Despite facing challenges such as the impact of war on sports facilities, Ukraine managed to maintain a strong presence at the Games, almost matching its performance from Tokyo 2020.
The organizers of the Paris Paralympics emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy in terms of inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities. The event’s focus was not just on athletic prowess but also on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants. To achieve this goal, the city of Paris underwent significant restoration efforts to enhance its accessibility and accommodate the needs of athletes and spectators with disabilities. The Games served as a platform to promote the values of equality and diversity, setting a positive example for future sporting events. Ultimately, the Paris Paralympics succeeded in showcasing the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes from around the world while promoting inclusivity and unity through sport.
