The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games weren’t just another edition of the event; they were a celebration of firsts. From France’s capital hosting the Games for the first time to historic achievements and unforgettable moments, this edition truly set itself apart. It was a showcase of talent, determination, and history in the making, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. (Year-Ender | More Sports News)
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back at the most exciting, viral, and defining moments that made the Paris 2024 Paralympics a truly unforgettable celebration of athleticism, inspiration, and the ཧstrength of determined individuals.
A number of nations made their mark for the first time at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, with athletes like Sibhatu Kesete Weldemariam representing Eritrea and others claiming maiden podium finishes.
Palesha Goverdhan 🎐made history by winning bronze in taekwondo in the women's -57kg K😼44 discipline, marking Nepal's first-ever Paralympic or Olympic medal.
Let's know more such heart-warming moments which defined the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Refugee Paralympic Team Took The Spotlight With Historic Firsts
Zakia Khudadadi made history by winning the first meda꧅l for the Refugee Paralympic Team, as she won the bronze medal in Para Taekwondo in the women's K44 -47kg class.
Three days later, Guillaum♑e Junior Atangana wrote his🌼 name in the history books as the first male refugee to medal at an Olympic or Paralympic Games and also took the bronze medal in the men's 400m T11. It marked a historic moment for the Refugee Paralympic Team, under the limelight of their fantastic journey.
Jodie Grinham Played For Two And Made History As First Pregnant Athlete On A Paralympic Podium
In a first and truly unique, Para archer Jodie Grinham became the first known pregnant athlete to stand on a Paralympic podium. Due to give birth two months after the Games, the British athlete secured the women's individual compound bronze and she followed it up with a mixed team gold alongside Nathan Macqueen.
🌸Througho♑ut her achievement, Grinham paused sometimes to reset her focus as her baby kicked.
Women made this Paralympics edition unforgettable, and Indian women were no strangers to the spotlight. Click HERE to know the she-boost to India's medal tally
'City Of Love' Worked Its Magic – Fans Felt Single, Yet Believed In Love Stories
The Paris 2024 Paralympics were ꦏabout more than just winning or 𝓰losing—they were about love and unforgettable moments. In the City of Love, athletes made the most of their time, with proposals at iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and even on the field.
Italian sprinter Alessandro Ossola, after missing out on a spot in the T63 100m final, proposed to his girlfriend, Arianna Mandaradoni, in front of a cheering crowd. Ossola, who lost his first wife in a 2015 accident and had his leg amputated, credited sport for helping him overcome a dark 💝period in his life.
Another heartwarming moment came from Team USA’s Hunter and Tara Davis-Woodhall. Hunter won gold in the men’s 400m T62 and bronze in the 4x100m relay, just weeks after Tara claimed Olympic gold. The couple’s shared victories captured the hearts of fans, showing ಞthat the Paralympics were about more than medals, they were about love and JUST LOVE.
The Armless Archers With Perfect Aim – Making History With Every Shot
The world has seen countless athletes defy the odds, but few stories are as remarkable as that of Matt Stutzman, the "Armless Archer." At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Stutzman won his first gold medal, proving that you don't need arms to hit the bullseye. In the final, he se🦂t a Paralympic record with 149 out of 150 points.
But Stutzman wasn’t alone in making history. Meanwhile, Sheetal Devi, aged 17, made her mark for India in the mixed compound archery team event along with Rakesh Kumar, winning the bronze 😼medal.
She was the youngest Paralympic medalist for India and only the second armless archer in history to win a Paralympic medal, displaying immense resilience and determination.
Without arms, these archers use their feet to load arrows and a special releaᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚse to shoot—a self-taught technique.
Check Out India's Best Moments from the Paris 2024 Paralympics HERE.
Steve Serio Closed His Legendary Paralympic Career With Another Gold
The U༒nited States made history by becoming the first country to win three consecutive gold medals in wheelchair basketball, and they made sure to send Steve Serio off in style. The final was a thrilling 73-69 win over Great Britain, capping off a perfect tournament for the team.
Serio, a five-time Paralympian, had been a key player in all three of those gold medal victories. As he announced his retirement after the Paralympics, it was clear that his remarkable career had come full circle, with one final triumph to remem✤🍌ber.
'Rocket Man' Gabriel Araujo Dominated With Three Golds And Captivated Fans
Brazilian para swimmer Gabriel Araujo became quite a storm at the Paralympics in Paris; he left with three golden med෴als that assured him as the most vibrant athlete at those Games.
Born with phocomelia, which left himꦛ without arms and with atrophied legs, Araujo has overcome significant challenges to become a powerhouse in the pool. His remarkable swimming technique, combined with his infectious energy, earned him the nickname "Rocket Man."
Araujo won the S2 category, taking gold in 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 100m backstroke. His victories were not only athletic successes but also showed his jubilaꦅnt spirit and his determination, which made him one of the most adored personalities of the Paralympics.
