The 17th edition of the Paralympic Games, held in Paris, concluded on September 8th after an electrifying 11 days of competition. Over 4,400 athletes from 184 nations participated, showcasing their incredible abilities and sharing inspiring stories with the world. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the 2024 Paris Paralympics:
“In the call room this morning, someone told me, ‘I watched you in 2012 and that’s why I am here.’ I really hope there are some girls at home who are doing the same because that’s what it’s all about. Hopefully, today, some new dreams have been born.” – Hannah Cockroft (GBR), Gold medallist in the Women’s 800m-T34 final. Cockroft’s quote highlights the powerful impact that Paralympic athletes can have on young people, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams.
“I believe I was put here on this earth to normalise disability, change perceptions about what is possible as an amputee, winning back-to-back golds, leading the Paralympic movement until 2028.” – Ezra Frech (USA), Gold medallist in the Men’s High Jump T63. Frech’s words underscore the importance of the Paralympic Games in promoting inclusivity and challenging societal perceptions of disability.
“The Paralympics means so much more because everyone here has a million reasons to give up, and we’ve all chosen to just go on… It’s a bigger picture than the medals, it’s a bigger picture than our country’s flag. It’s all of us coming together on that world stage and representing something greater than ourselves.” – Brianna Hennessy (CAN), Silver medallist in the Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2 Final. Hennessy beautifully captures the spirit of the Paralympic Games, emphasizing the shared commitment and unity amongst athletes.
“I’ve had long hair since 2019 but I thought I’d try and get a few more seconds (off his time) so I cut it. Then I thought I’d add a bit of peroxide to it. I was walking around the (Paralympic) Village with a hat on and nobody recognised me for the last few days. Someone said I looked like a white tiger.” – Michael Roeger (AUS), Silver medallist in the Men’s 1500m T46 final. Roeger’s humorous quote shows the dedication and creativity athletes bring to their training, even resorting to drastic measures to improve their performance.
“I called (my coach) and I was like, ‘I am going to have to retire, I am not getting back down to my times, I am like 20 seconds off in a 100m’. It turns out I was swimming in a 33m pool, not a 25m pool and I hadn’t realised.” – Alice Tai (GBR), Bronze medallist in the Women’s 100m Butterfly S8. This anecdote from Tai demonstrates the importance of attention to detail and the unexpected challenges athletes face in their quest for success.
“I’m so happy my family was here to support me, because to me, that’s my gold medal. The medal I got here is called a bronze, but my gold medal is my family.” – Geert Schipper (NED), Bronze medallist in the Men’s PTWC Para Triathlon. Schipper’s heartfelt words showcase the invaluable support of family and the true meaning of personal victory beyond medals.
These quotes, and the countless others from the Paris Paralympics, serve as a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and inspiring stories of the world’s best Paralympic athletes.
