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Over 4,400 athletes have convened in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, with the first medals now being distributed. The event commenced on August 28 and is scheduled through September 8.
The inaugural medal was clinched by Caroline Groot from the Netherlands, a para cyclist who broke the world and Paralympic records in the 500m time trial C4-5 category. Italy’s Francesco Bocciardo, competing in his fourth Games, also set a new Paralympic record and earned a medal in the men’s 200m freestyle S5. Meanwhile, French para swimmer Ugo Didier captured the host nation’s first gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S9.
Team USA’s first medal came from para swimmer Elizabeth Marks who secured a silver in the women’s 50m freestyle S6. Marks continued her success by acquiring additional silver medals in the women’s 50m butterfly S6 and the 200m individual medley SM6.
The Games feature 549 events spanning 22 sports held across 20 venues. Notable venues include the aquatic center at La Defense, where Olympic swimmers Katie Ledecky from the U.S. and France’s Leon Marchand recently showcased their skills, and the athletics facilities at the Stade de France.
At this location, U.S. long jumper Tara Woodhall-Davis earned a gold medal. She celebrated her victory by jumping into the arms of her husband, Hunter Woodhall, a sprinter aiming for gold himself, starting September 1.
This heartfelt moment became one of the most shared highlights of the Games.