The 2024 Paris Paralympics are in full swing, with athletes from around the world showcasing their extraordinary abilities and determination. French swimmer Ugo Didier electrified the home crowd by securing the host nation’s first gold medal in the 400m freestyle S9 event, finishing with a time of 4:12.55. Didier, who was born with clubbed feet, expressed his gratitude for the spectators’ support, calling it ‘something unforgettable’ in handisport.The Games have already produced several inspiring stories and historic moments. Zakia Khudadadi made history by winning the first-ever medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team, securing bronze in the women’s K44 -47kg Para taekwondo category. Khudadadi, who currently lives and trains in France, credited her success to her team and coach, saying, ‘For three years I’ve been a professional taekwondoka, and today I’ve won because behind me there is the French Republic, the refugee team, and my best coach, Haby Niare’.Other notable performances include Angélica Espinoza of Peru, who successfully defended her gold medal in the K44 (-47kg) parataekwondo category. This victory marks Espinoza as the first Peruvian woman to become a double Paralympic champion. Brazil also had a strong start, winning three medals on the first day of competition in swimming events.The Paralympics feature 4,400 competitors from 168 delegations, with athletes competing across various sports including track cycling, table tennis, taekwondo, and swimming. China, which dominated the previous Games in Tokyo with 96 golds, has already taken an early lead in the medal table.As the Games progress, they continue to showcase the incredible abilities of para-athletes and promote a message of inclusivity. As International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons stated, ‘The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will show persons with disabilities what they can achieve at the highest level’.
Key points
- French swimmer Ugo Didier won the host nation’s first gold medal in the 400m freestyle S9 event.
- Zakia Khudadadi secured the first-ever medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team in Para taekwondo.
- Angélica Espinoza of Peru successfully defended her gold medal in parataekwondo, becoming the first Peruvian woman to be a double Paralympic champion.
- The Paralympics feature 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations competing across various sports.
