As the world gathers to celebrate the spirit of determination and resilience, the 2024 Paris Paralympics has delivered moments that left us in awe.
From record-breaking feats to inspiring comebacks, these games were a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Athletes from across the globe showcased their exceptional skills and unyielding dedication, turning the City of Light into a beacon of hope and triumph. Whether it was heart-stopping finishes in the pool, unexpected gold medal victories, or the unwavering support from fans, the Paris Paralympics brought together unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come – so here are our favourites.
Aussies take gold in 4x100m mixed medley stunning comeback
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Despite the Netherlands being clear frontrunners heading into the 4x100m mixed medley, Australia clinched the gold in an extraordinary turnaround — arguably the comeback of the year. During the anchor leg, the Australian team was in fourth position, with Alexa Leary lagging six seconds behind the first-place Netherlands. However, Leary found an incredible burst of speed, closing the gap and surpassing the competition to secure the gold medal, all while setting a new Paralympic record.
17-year-old Sheetal Devi hits a bullseye in Para-Archery
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Perhaps one of the competition's most viral moments so far, Sheetal Devi's flawless bullseye in Para-Archery has been circulating our social media feeds for the last few days. At just 17 years old, Devi displayed remarkable composure as she lined up her shot, and the crowd erupted in cheers when she hit the mark perfectly. In case you're wondering how intense the competition was, this stunning shot earned Devi a well-deserved bronze medal.
Britain wins 12 gold medals on one day
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On 1 September, the Paralympians from Great Britain made history by winning an impressive 12 medals in a single day. Hannah Cockroft led the charge, securing gold as the first-place finisher in the women's wheelchair racing, and her victory set the tone for a record-breaking day for the team.
The internet goes wild over blind Paralympic long jumpers
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Blind Paralympic long jumpers at the Paris 2024 Paralympics captivated global audiences with their extraordinary feats, utilising a sighted guide who claps and calls out to help them navigate the runway. The athletes' incredible sense of spatial awareness and trust in their guides resulted in awe-inspiring jumps that often surpassed their sighted counterparts, showcasing the power of adaptability and training. We especially loved Italian athlete Arjola Dedaj, who wore a mask shaped like a giant butterfly in the event final.
Archer Jodie Grinham wins gold while seven months pregnant
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British archer Jodie Grinham made history on Saturday by becoming the first athlete to win a Paralympic medal while pregnant, securing an individual bronze. She then went on to win team gold on Monday. Speaking to the BBC, Grinham expressed her overwhelming joy, saying, "I wanted to jump up and down and scream with excitement, but being heavily pregnant, I decided it was best to crouch down for a moment before celebrating with hugs."
16-year-old Telaya Blacksmith's record-breaking Paralympics debut
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Warlpiri teenager Telaya Blacksmith secured her spot in the T20 400m final at the Paris Paralympics, setting new Australian and Oceania records during her heat. Although the 16-year-old did not medal in Wednesday's final, her performance highlighted her potential and promise in the sport, with her record-breaking run signalling a bright future ahead of the athlete.
