Paris 2024: French stars Hanquinquant and Leaute on a home Games to remember

A year has passed since the City of Light shone brighter than ever, hosting the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. For French Paralympic champions Alexis Hanquinquant and Alexandre Leaute, the memories are still vivid, not just for the medals they won, but for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of competing on home soil.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics, which took place from 28 August to 8 September 2024, featured 4,400 Para athletes from around the world competing in 22 sports. More than 230 athletes represented France at the Games, winning a total of 75 medals - 19 gold, 28 silver and 28 bronze. One year on, more than 70 French athletes are set to join fans in celebrating Paralympic Day in Paris on 6 September 2025.

Alexis Hanquinquant: A torch, a flag, and a dream fulfilled

For Para triathlete Alexis Hanquinquant, the Paris 2024 Games began with a moment of pride. As the French flagbearer, he led the host nation into the Opening Ceremony at Place de la Concorde, before lighting the Paralympic Cauldron — a hot air balloon that rose into the Parisian sky, igniting 11 days of unforgettable competition.

“There are many adjectives that are fitting to describe Paris 2024,” Hanquinquant said. “Magical, historic, spectacular, iconic. I will remember it for the rest of my life.

“I’m so proud and honoured to have had the chance to experience these moments.”

Five days later, the defending Paralympic champion in the men’s PTS4 event stood at the start line on Pont Alexandre III, feeling immense pressure but also ready to defend his title. With the Seine as his swim course and iconic landmarks in the backdrop in the cycling and running segments, Hanquinquant delivered a near-perfect race, finishing in 58.01 minutes — nearly a minute faster than his Tokyo 2020 time.

The crowd roared when he approached the finish line. 

“The atmosphere was absolutely wild,” he recalled. “Crossing the finish line after running an almost perfect race was a huge relief and a great satisfaction. It was the most important race of my career.”

Winning gold in front of his wife and children made the moment even more special.

“What’s certain is that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were a complete success. The stadiums and stands were full of spectators. It was exceptional.”

Now 39, Hanquinquant says he is far from done. He is already eyeing the LA28 Paralympic Games.

“My goal is to end my international career at LA28 Paralympic Games, aiming to remain undefeated in triathlon. I hope to become a 10-time European champion, a 10-time world champion and a three-time Paralympic gold medallist.”

Alexandre Leaute: four medals, a mega celebration and a big goal

Alexandre Leaute bagged four medals, including two golds, in Para cycling at his second Paralympics. When he looks back on the 11 days of competition, what comes to mind are the atmosphere and the energy of the home crowd.

The Games at home were incredible,” Leaute said. “Experiencing these Games in France with the support of the French public and the presence of my family and friends – it’s something I’ll never forget.”

One of his most cherished memories? Singing the Marseillaise in a packed velodrome after winning gold in the men’s individual pursuit C2 event — surrounded by his family, friends, and even his entire village who came to support him.

He also fondly remembers the post-race celebrations at Club France, where athletes and fans came together in a shared moment of joy. Leaute said he had the chance to join the big celebrations twice during the Games. 

“Experiencing such moments in an athlete’s career is incredibly powerful. You could feel the popular excitement. People were genuinely happy to celebrate with us,” the eight-time Paralympic medallist said. 

But Leaute’s reflections go beyond personal triumphs. He was deeply moved by the “silent wave” during the blind football final between France and Argentina — a moment that, for him, captured the spirit of the Games. Spectators showed their support by performing a silent wave, as they needed to remain quiet when the ball was in play. 

“Paralympic sport received real attention from the media, the public, and both private and public partners. Now it’s important that this continues.”

So what’s next for Leaute, who has already accomplished so much in the sport? 

“I want to keep writing history in my sport. I’m only 24 and still have many records to break,” he said. “I want to win it all. I’m doing everything I can to reach my goals. Of course, I’m already aiming for the LA28 Paralympic Games and probably Brisbane 2032 as well.”

“As long as I enjoy being on the bike, I’ll keep going.” 

But his goals go beyond chasing medals and records. 

“I want to support children who have the same condition as me, to show them that anything is possible and that through sport, you can achieve even your wildest dreams!”