The City of Light is set to make history as it welcomes approximately 4,500 athletes for the first Summer Paralympics ever to be hosted by France. Over 11 days of intense competition, these athletes will compete across 22 sports, vying for a total of 549 gold medals. The event, which kicks off on Thursday, August 29, promises to be a showcase of extraordinary talent, featuring a mix of seasoned international stars and rising newcomers eager to leave their mark on the world stage.
Italy’s Paralympic Powerhouse: Simone Barlaam
One of the standout athletes to watch is Simone Barlaam, a 24-year-old swimmer from Milan, who has been instrumental in Italy’s rise as a Paralympic powerhouse in the pool. Born with one leg shorter than the other due to a hip condition, Barlaam spent part of his childhood in Paris undergoing multiple surgeries. His journey in competitive swimming began at the age of 14, leading to his international debut at the 2017 World Championships in Mexico.
Although Barlaam faced challenges at his first Paralympics in Tokyo, where he secured a gold, two silvers, and a bronze, he enters the Paris Paralympics as a strong favorite. Last year, at the World Championships in Manchester, Barlaam delivered a stunning performance, winning six gold medals in six races in the S9 category. As the competition begins, all eyes will be on Barlaam as he aims to further solidify his legacy.
Wheelchair Tennis Dominance: Diede de Groot
The Netherlands has long been a dominant force in wheelchair tennis, and Diede de Groot is the latest star to carry that torch. The 27-year-old, born with her right leg shorter than the other, began playing wheelchair tennis at the age of seven and quickly rose through the ranks. De Groot is currently ranked world number one in both singles and doubles and has established herself as a powerhouse in the sport.
De Groot’s accolades include winning gold in both singles and doubles at the Tokyo Paralympics, with the latter victory achieved alongside Aniek van Koot. Remarkably, De Groot is the first player—whether in wheelchair or non-disabled tennis—to win three consecutive calendar Grand Slams. Among her numerous titles are five French Open singles and six doubles titles, all at Roland Garros, where the Paralympic wheelchair tennis events will take place this year.
Earlier in 2024, De Groot was honored as the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, following in the footsteps of her compatriot Esther Vergeer, who won the award in 2002 and 2008. As she takes to the court in Paris, De Groot is poised to continue her reign as the queen of wheelchair tennis.
The Silver Bullet: Marcel Hug
Swiss wheelchair racer Marcel Hug, known for his signature silver helmet and nicknamed the “Silver Bullet,” is another athlete set to shine in Paris. At 38 years old, Hug is no stranger to success, having already secured six Paralympic titles. He first rose to prominence at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where he won gold in the T54 800m and marathon events.
Hug’s dominance continued at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he completed a clean sweep of victories in the 800m, 1500m, 5,000m, and marathon. Last year, at the World Championships in Paris, he added another three gold medals to his collection on the track.
In addition to his track achievements, Hug is a formidable competitor on the road, with multiple victories in major city marathons, including London, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Berlin. As he competes at the Stade de France, Hug will be aiming to add even more gold to his impressive collection, further cementing his status as one of the greatest wheelchair racers of all time.
A Historic Paralympics in Paris
As the first Summer Paralympics ever to be hosted by France, this year’s Games in Paris promise to be a memorable event, showcasing the incredible talents and inspiring stories of athletes from around the world. From seasoned champions like Simone Barlaam, Diede de Groot, and Marcel Hug to emerging stars eager to make their mark, the Paralympics are set to captivate audiences with thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments.