By Charlotte Wheler, Contributing Writer

   The 2024 Paralympics, which took place in Paris two weeks after the Olympics ended, was an outstanding success. The Games featured 22 sports at iconic venues like the Eiffel Tower, Roland Garros, and the Château de Versailles. With 105 medals earned, the United States ranked third for the most medals among the 170 competing nations. Specifically, the U.S. men’s basketball, women’s sitting volleyball, and equestrian teams all brought home gold medals. Many competitors from the United States also found great success in individual events; for example, swimmer Jessica Long made headlines with her gold medal in the women’s 400 freestyle at her sixth Paralympics. 

           Parathletes and spectators enjoyed the large, enthusiastic crowds and well-planned, accessible atmosphere of the Games. In terms of accessibility, the Paralympic Village had tri-level water fountains that accommodated guide dogs and wheelchair users. Athletes with wheelchairs could also attach their wheelchairs to electric scooters, which allowed them to quickly navigate through the athletes’ village. Paris authorities also considered volunteers and spectators when planning the Games. Disabled people traveling on commuter trains into Paris for the Games could electronically request assistance before their travels, and spectators were provided with transportation between the city’s metro stations and the sports venues. 

     Viewership and attendance for this year’s Paralympic Games also made headlines as this year became the most-watched Paralympic Games with 15.4 million total viewers. Over two million in-person tickets were bought; this number comes second only to the London 2012 Paralympics. Still, Dorothy Izaac-Goize, a 15-year-old Paris resident who witnessed both the Olympic and Paralympic atmospheres, said, “Compared to the Olympics, the Paralympics were definitely less talked about.” She also noted that the environment surrounding the Paralympics “was way less hyped than the Olympics.” Clearly, there is still work to do to achieve more widespread enthusiasm for the Paralympics. 

         Even those who did not watch much of the Games heard about big moments popularized online. Cate Ewald ’25, who is familiar with this year’s Paralympics, said that a highlight “was Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall supporting each other when they both won gold medals. ” in track and field events during the Olympics and Paralympics, respectively. Ewald added, “I really enjoyed watching the viral video of them hugging after the race. It was so cute!” A two-time Paralympic medalist, Woodhall, 25, ran a strategic four-hundred-meter race to clinch his first gold medal. 

            Readers can expect a similarly, if not more, successful summer Paralympic Games during LA2028. Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has already taken many measures to ensure that Los Angeles is an enjoyable and accessible environment for spectators and parathletes; for instance, she has met with leaders like Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympics Committee, to get advice about ensuring the Games’ success.

With respect to the achievements of U.S. athletes, accessibility for both athletes and spectators, and increased support and enthusiasm for the Games, the Paris 2024 Paralympics set a high bar. The Paris 2024 Games will challenge Los Angeles and future host cities of the Games to make a difference in the narrative surrounding athletes with disabilities.