Cece Razo
Staff Writer
As the Paralympic athletes crossed the finish line, won the match or hit the bullseye, it did not matter what country they represented; the whole world came together to watch these athletes redefine the word, “perseverance.”
The International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons echoed this remark at the opening ceremonies, saying, “Through their performances, Paralympic athletes will challenge stigma, alter attitudes and redefine the limits of what you think is possible.”
Exactly as he stated, in all the 549 events during those two weeks, the Paralympic athletes changed the world through their victories that made what was thought impossible, possible.
Though the Paralympics always follow the Olympics, this does not mean they are inferior or lesser in any sense. Rather, the Paralympics level the playing field for athletes with varying impairments. They are a continual celebration of the founding idea of inclusion and opportunity.
The foundation for the games was established after World War II so that injured veterans could participate in the games. Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic games, helped rehabilitate, integrate and motivate patients with disabilities to break barriers and find new independence through sports.
From the humble beginnings of 16 athletes to this summer’s 4,400 athletes, the Paralympics have proven their significance and importance not just to the athletes, but to the whole world.
Parsons ended his opening speech by stating, “show to the world that Paralympic athletes should be acknowledged, celebrated and rewarded, but above all respected.” With more than 40 world records broken at the Paralympics, these incredible athletes did just that.
US athlete and shark-attack survivor Ali Truwit not only broke two American records but brought home two silver medals for swimming.
18-year-old Tokito Oda from Japan made history by becoming the youngest athlete to win gold for men’s single’s wheelchair tennis.
Under the Eiffel Tower, the host country won gold in men’s blind football against their long rival, Argentina.
Zakia Khudaddu, the first Afghan female taekwondo athlete, won the first-ever medal for the Refugee Team.
And, of course, the most popular victory, Hunter Woodhall — the husband of Tara Davis-Woodhall who previously had won gold in the Olympic women’s long jump — won gold in the men’s 400m T62. Just as she had run into his arms after her victory, Woodhall found Davis-Woodhall in the crowd and joined in a victorious and romantic embrace.
Although the viewership is significantly higher for the Olympics, magic and miracles can only be found in the Paralympics. The Olympics tend to create division between countries, but the Paralympic athletes inspire, unite, and motivate the world to see the beauty and power of differences.
As Parson puts it, “Through the power of sport, let us show world leaders that unity is possible, that we can come together as rivals in peace, play by the rules and positively impact society.”