2024: Viral Paralympic moments
As we bid farewell to 2024, watch some of the most popular videos on the @Paralympics social media channels 19 Dec 2024
This year was full of viral moments in the Paralympic Movement. Para athletes from around the world put on an incredible show both on and off of competition.
Throughout the year, we posted video content on our social media channels. Some were funny, some were educational, but most importantly, the videos showcased how exciting Para sports are.
As 2024 comes to an end, we collected clips that were popular on our TikTok and Instagram accounts this year. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Dancing on the podium
Watch Gabriel Araujo of Brazil dancing on the podium at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he won two golds and a silver medal. Three years later, he captured three golds at Paris 2024. And guess what he did on the podium?
Who's that girl?
Who's that wonderful girl? Is it Claire Cashmore, Katarina Roxon, Ellen Keane - or the baby from Four Seasons Orlando?
Cashmore, Roxon and Keane shared the Para swimming podium at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. Roxon won gold, Cashmore and Keane took silver and bronze, respectively, in the women's 100 m breaststroke SB8 event.
In Paris, Cashmore became a two-time Para triathlon champion. Roxon made her fifth Paralympic appearance, and Keane announced her retirement following her sixth appearance.
What a hit
With his powerful spikes and huge blocks, Morteza Mehrzad has led Iran's successful campaigns in sitting volleyball since making his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016.
In Paris, Iran completed a hat-trick of Paralympic titles with Mehrzad being the top scorer in Iran's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.
Wait, wait, wait!
Wheelchair basketball is a game of precision. Check out this incredible long range shot by Germany's Dirk Passiwan at London 2012. Twelve years later he was at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, this time as a coach of the German women's national team.
Left, left, left
Para cycling is a sport for everyone and that is why we love it. Watch Australia's Darren Hicks win gold in the C2 individual time trial at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He took bronze in the race at Paris 2024.
Parfait in Paris
It is outrageous! India's Para archery star Sheetal Devi nails a perfect 10 at Paris 2024, and we still cannot get over this shot. She took the bronze medal in the mixed compound open team event on her Paralympic debut.
Spin it back to me
Flora Vautier's brilliant back spin shot that is fully out of reach of her opponents in Para table tennis wheelchair doubles. She took bronze in the mixed doubles XD7 event.
Boccia perfection
This is the moment Ireland's Gabriel Shelly played the most perfect of boccia shots for glory at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. He won bronze at these Games.
It's light out and away we go
Auughhsome hand cycling start at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics - full throttle power from all the athletes off the start line. Did you know that road races include bicycles, handcycles, tricycles and tandems, while track events include bicycles and tandems at the Paralympic Games?
Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
With two weeks left in 2024, maybe this is how you are feeling now - like skiing the uphill sections in cross country. It may be tough, but do not forget - the holidays are just around the corner. And what is even more exciting? There will be plenty of winter Para sport competitions next year to look forward to.
Do not forget to follow our Instagram and TikTok accounts for more clips from the Paralympic Movement.
