Paris 2024 Paralympic Games kick off today
ParalympicsGB is the team that represents Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Paralympic Games.
The team is made up of talented athletes with disabilities who compete in a variety of sports, including:
1.Track and field
2. Swimming
3. Cycling
4. Powerlifting
5. Wheelchair basketball
6. Wheelchair tennis
7. Table tennis
8. Judo
9. Archery
10. Shooting
ParalympicsGB has a strong reputation for excellence, having finished in the top three of the Paralympic Games medal table at the last four Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020).
Since making history at the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016 by winning gold in two different sporting categories, and having repeated this triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Kadeena Cox is gearing up for another unmissable performance in Paris this summer.
Cox – a talented sprinter and cyclist, holding two world records, one of which has stood since 1992. She’s a true trailblazer.
Thanks to National Lottery funding that helps to support athletes, ranging from grassroots to elite level, Cox told us; “National Lottery funding and the system that supports has helped me keep my career going.”
Two-time world record holder, one of which held since 1992 is the showstopping, Ellie Challis. Challis survived meningitis as a child and was required to have all four limbs amputated.
Despite obstacles, she’s found success all over the world, including being the youngest member of the ParalympicsGB team for the Tokyo 2020 games, where she won silver aged just 17.
Thanks to support from National Lottery players, Challis tells us, “With National Lottery funding, I don’t need to worry about financial pressures and I have everything I need to be the best swimmer I can be”
With two Paralympic gold medals and 19 world titles, cycling legend, Neil Fachie, will be showcasing his talent at the Paris Paralympic Games this summer, and hoping to add another gold to his collection.
The visually-impaired athlete was initially in track, but since switched to cycling after a low point in his career.
Fachie tells us, “cycling has opened me up to the freedom to explore the world and given me confidence as a person.”
Winning gold at Rio in 2016 and ready to take on Paris this summer is Alice Tai.
Having overcome mental health challenges as well as an amputation in 2022, Tai has achieved outstanding success, including winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, and seven gold medals at the World Para Swimming Championships.
Tai tells us, “Thankfully with National Lottery funding, I’ve got the flexibility to make it work for me and the right support behind the scenes with coaching and physio.”
Hoping to continue his winning streak is high jumper, Jonathan Broom-Edwards.
Since winning gold at Tokyo in 2020 and securing multiple World Championship titles, Broom-Edwards is looking to bring home the gold again in Paris this summer.
Broom-Edwards – A high jumper with a string of impressive performances, including Paralympic and world championship medals.
He tells us, “The funding I get from The National Lottery is a huge help, it means I don’t have to worry about finances…it has been invaluable for my career.”
Some other notable ParalympicsGB athletes include:
1. Dame Sarah Storey (cycling and swimming)
2. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (athletics)
3. David Weir (athletics)
4. Jonnie Peacock (athletics)
5. Ellie Simmonds (swimming)
6. Hannah Cockroft (athletics)
7. Aled Davies (athletics)
8. Richard Whitehead (athletics)
These athletes, and many others like them, are an inspiration to millions, showcasing their talent, determination, and resilience on the world stage.
They’re role models for many, and their achievements will undoubtedly motivate future generations of athletes.