Top Paralympic moments of 2023

This year was full of athletic feats and memorable moments. Para athletes from around the world put on an impressive show at four regional Games and many qualifying events that took place throughout the year. 

Excitement for the Paris 2024 Paralympics was on a rise, as we celebrated one year to go until the Games in August and saw tens of thousands of people gather in the French capital for the Paralympic Day in October.  

Young stars and newcomers cemented their status as ones to watch at the Games next year, while experienced athletes continued to raise the bar.  

As the year comes to an end, let’s look back at some of the most memorable moments from 2023.

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Tokito Oda makes wheelchair tennis history 

Seventeen-year-old Tokito Oda won back-to-back Grand Slam titles this year. The Japanese sensation defeated three-time Paralympic medallist Alfie Hewett in the final of the men’s singles tournament at the French Open in June. The following month, he became the youngest man ever to win a Wimbledon singles title in any discipline. 

In June, Oda also became the world No. 1 in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles rankings, seven years after he took up the sport. 

“I didn’t expect this level of support and to play on these counts. I am still only 17 (and 69 days) so I want to open champagne, but I can’t,” he told the crowd at Wimbledon to great laughter. Sparkling water will have to do, he said.

Zakia Khudadadi claims emotional victory at Rotterdam 2023 

Zakia Khudadadi, who fled Afghanistan in 2021, took a gold medal in Para taekwondo at the European Para Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She competed in Rotterdam as a refugee team athlete, but shared the joy with members of the French team with whom she trains together in Paris, where she currently resides. 

Khudadadi left Afghanistan just a week before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games took place, thanks to a global support of several individuals, organisations and governments. She competed at Tokyo 2020, where she became Afghanistan’s first female Paralympian since Athens 2004. 

She dedicated her victory in Rotterdam to the women of Afghanistan. “I continue Para taekwondo because I love the sport and I win for the women of Afghanistan and for the refugee people,” she said.

Maxcel Amo Manu becomes king of blade runners 

Maxcel Amo Manu impressed on the track at the Paris 23 Para Athletics World Championships in July, winning the men’s 100m and 200m T64 events in his debut. In the 100m final, the Italian sprinter came from behind to finish ahead of a star-packed field that included Paralympic medallists in his class. 

After crossing the finish line, he ran toward the stands and celebrated the special moment with his children and his wife. Manu, who competed in his first race just two years ago, wants to repeat his success in the French capital next year.  

“My goal for 2024 is obviously the Paralympics. I think it’s every athlete’s dream,” he said. “(Paris 2024) will be my first Games that I’ll take part in, so I’ll work hard to be as prepared as possible.” 

Najwa Awane claims powerful victory in difficult circumstances 

Morocco’s Najwa Awane won the women’s wheelchair tennis singles title at the African Para Games in Ghana in September. Her victory came a day after her homeland Morocco was hit by a huge earthquake. 

She beat Kafayat Omisore of Nigeria in the final and qualified directly for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Paris 2024 is set to be Awane’s second Paralympic Games.

Para archer Sheetal Devi shoots to stardom 

India’s Sheetal Devi shot to stardom this year. Devi, who was born without arms, holds the bow with her foot when she competes. Less than two years since she took up the sport, the young star won a silver medal at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in July, and topped the podium in the women’s individual compound open at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games in October. 

At the World Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic, she received advice from the legendary 'Armless Archer', Matt Stutzman, a silver medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. 

Daniel Perez ignites home crowd at Rotterdam 2023 

Daniel Perez earned Netherlands’ first gold medal at their home European Para Championships in August, winning the men’s boccia BC1 event at a sun-drenched outdoor court in the centre of Rotterdam. In front of a cheering crowd, Perez beat Great Britain’s reigning Paralympic champion David Smith in the final.  

“Finally! I’ve finished runner-up quite a lot of times, especially behind David so I’m happy that I took gold at such a beautiful place,” Perez said. “It’s the first time I won the European title so this medal is very important.” 

Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge sees growth in women’s sport 

The second edition of the Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge was held in Green Bay, USA, from 31 August to 3 September. A total of 69 athletes representing four teams – USA, Canada, Great Britain and Team World – showcased the growth of the sport. There was also all-women officiating staff. Team World was made up of athletes from 11 countries, more countries than the inaugural edition in 2022.

Team USA won the tournament with a perfect record for the second straight year. The Women’s World Challenge serves as a stepping stone toward a Women’s World Championships in 2025.

Karen Palomeque dominates at Santiago 2023 

Colombia’s Karen Palomeque dominated on the track at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games in November. She captured gold medals in the women’s 100m T37, 200m T37, 400m T38, long jump T36/37/38 and the universal 4x100m relay and was named the Best Female Athlete of Santiago 2023.

She competed in Santiago just four months after she picked up three titles at the World Championships in Paris. 

“I’m emotional, proud and really happy for my five medals. My preparations for Santiago went really well, my coaches were together with me and I felt really comfortable at the Parapan Am Games,” Palomeque said.