Paris 2024 was the "best Paralympics ever," athletes say
Athletes shared their experience of competing in front of a massive crowd at France's first summer Paralympic Games 10 Sep 2024
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have come to an end, but for many athletes, the French capital will remain a special place in their hearts.
For Argentinian wheelchair tennis player Gustavo Fernandez, Paris will always be a place he can look back with fond memories, where he made history as the first South American to win a Paralympic medal in the sport.
He won the men’s singles bronze medal match against Martin De La Punte of Spain on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros. The stadium was full of passionate and vocal fans, including people who watched the sport for the first time.
“I think it was for me, the best Paralympics I’ve experienced in my life,” Fernandez said. “The organisers and the French people did an amazing job, making us really, really good. Everything was great, including the village; it was an amazing experience. It would always be in my heart.”
“I love Paris. Paris will be always in my heart. This is the place I’ve played my best tennis in my life, and I will always be in love with Paris.”
‘Pretty big prosthetic legs to fill’
The Paris 2024 Paralympics closed on 8 September following 11 days of exciting action. Over 4,000 athletes from 168 delegations competed in 549 medal events across 22 sports.
There were huge crowds at venues, but local fans were not just supporting the French athletes. They cheered for athletes from around the world and made sure the athletes felt welcomed.
US Para swimmer Jessica Long won two gold medals at her sixth Games.
“As Paralympic athletes we keep trying to push this incredible Movement, but you always just hope people show up. I would say here in Paris, it has been the most incredible crowd I’ve ever swum in front of.
“I think LA (2028) has some pretty big shoes to fill, pretty big prosthetic legs to fill.”
Many athletes also commented on the atmosphere at venues.
Arinn Young, Canada’s wheelchair basketball star, said, “This (Bercy Arena) might be my favourite arena and atmosphere I’ve played in my whole entire career.”
We can't believe it's over...
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France made their debut in the men’s goalball tournament at South Paris Arena 6. While they finished the tournament without a win, player Nabil Baich embraced the home crowd.
“All these years of work were for the pleasure of playing in front of this crowd. The crowd was transcendent,” Baich said after France’s 8-5 loss to Brazil in their opener.
“We were up against a really experienced team for the first match, but the crowd made a lot of effort to be supportive for us, and that has given us the power to continue this competition with a lot of commitment.”
Denmark’s Katrine Kristensen, who won silver in the individual Grade II event, embraced the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at the Chateau de Versailles, a historic symbol of French royalty.
“I have never been riding in such a beautiful arena as this before. I promised myself when I was finished to just look up and take it in,” Kristensen said.
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Highlights ❤️💙💚
Pride for women’s sport
The Paris 2024 Paralympics featured a record number of female competitors and more medal events for women than ever before. USA wheelchair basketball player Rose Hollermann said she had seen growth in the women’s tournament.
“These Paralympics have given me a lot of pride for women’s sports. I think this is the most competitive Paralympics I’ve been to. It’s my fourth (Games) and to see that one through eighth (teams) can be competitive to each other, I think it’s exciting for Paralympic sport and women’s sports."
