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Filling the Olympic-Sized Void? The Paralympics 2024 in Paris Have You Covered
Are you missing the excitement of the Olympics? You’re in luck! Thousands of elite athletes from around the globe have gathered in Paris for the highly anticipated Paralympics 2024. These games will feature intense competitions across dozens of sports, providing thrilling moments and incredible stories.
The Paralympics 2024 Kick Off in Paris
The 2024 Paralympic Games begin this week in Paris, with an outdoor opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, running through September 8. This year’s event promises to be historic, boasting a record number of delegations, female athletes, and global media coverage. It’s the first time the summer Paralympics have been hosted in France, and with spectators back in the stands post-COVID-19, the atmosphere is set to be electric.
Over the next 12 days, fans can look forward to captivating storylines, from redemption arcs to fierce rivalries and even the rise of power couples in the Paralympic community.
Notable Stories at the Paralympics 2024
Some of the most intriguing stories at the Paralympics 2024 include China’s continued dominance, an Italian sprinter making history as the first transgender woman to compete, and several decorated Team USA athletes aiming for new records. These highlights are just a taste of what’s to come in this action-packed event.
What Sets the Paralympics Apart from the Olympics?
While both the Olympics and Paralympics are prestigious multi-sport events, they have distinct differences. Since the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul and the 1992 Winter Games in France, these competitions have been held in the same city and year. The term “Paralympic” includes the Greek word “para,” meaning “beside,” signifying how these events run alongside the Olympics.
The modern Olympics began in the late 19th century, while the Paralympics originated from a British hospital for World War II veterans in 1948. The primary distinction is that the Olympics typically feature able-bodied athletes, whereas the Paralympics showcase athletes with disabilities. There are 10 eligible impairment types, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments, with athletes grouped based on the degree of activity limitation resulting from their impairments.
Overview of Paralympics Sports in 2024
Athletes at the Paralympics 2024 will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports, including both individual and team events. Some sports, such as goalball and boccia, are exclusive to the Paralympics, while others like sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, and para triathlon offer a unique twist on their Olympic counterparts.
In specific sports like para athletics, visually impaired athletes compete alongside sighted guides, some of whom are Olympians themselves. Since 2012, these guides have also been awarded medals, highlighting their critical role in the competition.
Paralympics 2024 Schedule: Nations and Athletes to Watch
The Paralympics 2024 schedule features a record number of delegations, with approximately 4,400 athletes from 168 nations expected to participate. This includes 167 National Paralympic Committees, a Refugee Paralympic Team, and up to 96 neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus, competing under neutral flags due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This year, Eritrea, Kiribati, and Kosovo are making their Paralympic debut. China, Brazil, and France are sending the largest delegations, with a historic 1,983 female competitors participating.
Key Team USA Athletes in the Paralympics 2024
Team USA is sending 225 athletes to Paris, with notable figures like wheelchair basketball legend Steve Serio and sitting volleyball star Nicky Nieves serving as flag bearers. Other athletes to watch include multi-season stars like Oksana Masters and Jessica Long, who are looking to add to their impressive medal collections.
How to Watch the Paralympics 2024
The Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony will air live on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms. NBC is offering extensive coverage, including 1,500 hours of live streaming and daily programming focused on the most popular events.
Don’t miss the exciting competitions in sports like swimming, cycling, and men’s wheelchair basketball, starting on Thursday. For those eager to follow along, the full Paralympics 2024 schedule can be viewed online, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.