Paris: The Paralympic Games came to a conclusion in Paris with a dazzling light show and an energetic dance party that celebrated the athletes and their remarkable achievements over the past two weeks. The Stade de France was filled with cheers and celebrations, despite the rainy weather, as more than 4,400 athletes from 168 nations joined the festivities, followed by some of the best French electronic dance music.
Tony Estanguet, chief organizer of Paris 2024 and a former gold medalist in canoeing, communicated with the crowd during the closing ceremony. He(Estanguet) praised the success of both the Olympics and Paralympics, emphasizing that France had a historic opportunity this summer and fully embraced it. He emphasized that the six weeks of competition will be remembered as a remarkable moment in French sports history.
On the final day of the event, two world records were shattered. Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi broke the world record in the women’s marathon for visually impaired athletes, finishing the 42-kilometer course in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds. El Idrissi, 29, expressed her surprise at the achievement, that, “I wasn’t running for a time, only for a medal.”
In another highlight, Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo set a new world record in women’s para powerlifting, further cementing her place as a dominant force in the sport.
Again, China finished at the top of the Paralympic medal table, winning 94 golds. Great Britain followed in second place with 49 golds, and the United States came third with 36. Ukraine’s athletes, overcoming the challenges posed by the ongoing war, delivered a strong performance, finishing in seventh place with 22 gold medals. Host nation France placed eighth with 19 golds.
The Paris Paralympics took place in largely full venues, overcoming early concerns about ticket sales. Many credit the success of the Olympics, which concluded in August, for creating a positive atmosphere around both events. Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), praised the Games for their impact, that, “The Paris Paralympics have shown that change starts with sport.”
Looking ahead, the Paralympic flame will next ignite in Los Angeles, where the 2028 Games will take place.
RELATED | 2024 Olympic flame extinguished in Paris
