Paralympians shine in City of Light: a look back at unforgettable moments from Paris 2024
CBC
Another Paralympics is in the books — but certainly one not soon to be forgotten.
With an incredible 2.5 million tickets sold, the 17th Summer Paralympic Games in Paris brought back the kind of energetic and unparalleled atmosphere that was glaringly absent during the COVID-held Tokyo Games in 2021.
Paralympians who felt they didn't get the "full Paralympic experience" in Tokyo got it in spades in the French capital, elevating their achievements into the moments they had dreamed of.
Those eleven days in Paris showcased the monumental power of Para sport and the awe-inspiring athleticism of its competitors, giving us a wealth of unforgettable highlights, inspiring displays and tear-jerking triumphs.
Here's a look at some of our favourites.
While every Games has its share of records, the Paris Paralympics were also host to a different kind of historic feat.
Zakia Khudadadi was overcome with joy after becoming the first athlete to win a Paralympic medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team, battling her way to taekwondo bronze in the women's K44 47-kilogram division.
Khudadadi threw off her protective headgear and leaped into the arms of her trainer, with the crowd at the Grand Palais giving her an ovation worthy of a Paralympic champion.
"I went through so much to get here. 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," said Khudadadi, who went on to serve as a flag-bearer in the closing ceremony.
Indian teenager Sheetal Devi became the talk of the Games by making history as the first armless female archer to compete at a Paralympics.
The 17-year-old Devi, born with a condition called phocomelia, went viral after nailing a bullseye in the individual compound tournament. Her bronze medal in the mixed team event further cemented her trailblazing legacy.
Fellow compound archer Jodie Grinham of Great Britain left her mark on history as the first pregnant woman to win a Paralympic medal, leaving Paris as champion.
The 31-year-old captured mixed team gold and individual bronze while being seven months along. She has a shortened left arm, underdeveloped left shoulder, with no fingers and half a thumb on her left hand.
An embodiment of female strength, Grinham already balances motherhood and sport with a two-year-old son.
