The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games promise to be a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence, featuring over 4,400 athletes competing across 23 sports disciplines. With such a diverse range of events, it can be challenging to know where to focus your attention. To help you make the most of this incredible sporting spectacle, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-watch Paralympic events that are sure to captivate and inspire. From the intensity of wheelchair basketball to the sheer determination of athletes in the marathon, these events highlight the extraordinary skills and resilience of Paralympians.
1. Daniel Michel in Boccia
One of the standout events of the Paralympics will be Daniel Michel’s quest for glory in boccia. After making history in Tokyo becoming the first Australian to win a boccia medal since 1996 Michel is ready to aim even higher. Competing in the individual BC4 category, he will take to the court beginning on August 29, 2024 at 10 pm AEST, with the potential gold medal match slated for September 2. Boccia, a sport reminiscent of lawn bowls, is marked by strategic precision, as athletes with significant impairments try to position their leather balls closest to a designated target ball. With the pressure of expectations and a strong mentorship under former cricket captain Steve Waugh, Michel’s performance is anticipated to be electrifying.
2. Michael Roeger’s Redemption
Michael Roeger’s story is one of resilience, making his upcoming fifth Paralympic appearance a narrative of redemption and grit. The talented athlete, competing in the T46 category for the 1500m race, has endured injuries and setbacks, including near misses at previous Games. Scheduled to compete on August 31, 2024 at 6 pm AEST, Roeger holds hopes of clinching a gold medal after winning silver and bronze at recent world championships. His journey epitomizes the spirit of the Paralympics—a testament to determination and the refusal to give up despite adversity.
3. Morteza Mehrzad: The Towering Volleyball Star
In the world of sitting volleyball, all eyes are set on Iran’s Morteza Mehrzad, who is not only a formidable player but also the second-tallest man in the world at an astounding 246 centimeters. With a backstory rooted in personal struggle, Mehrzad’s height is a result of acromegaly, a condition that results in excess growth hormone production. His matches will take place on August 30, 2024 at 10 pm AEST and are certain to attract crowds due to his unique stature and exceptional skills. Watching him dominate the court is not just a sporting spectacle; it is a narrative of win over physical challenges that’s why he is on our 10 Must-Watch Paralympic Events list.
4. Blind Football Spectacle
Blind football will captivate audiences as teams navigate the pitch with skill and strategy, relying on their other senses to pursue the goal. France, hosting the Games, will have the advantage of home crowd support, making it vital to tune in on September 1, 2024 from 7:30 pm AEST. This event will draw attention to the incredible capability of athletes who excel in a sport designed for those with visual impairments, highlighting their adaptability and teamwork.
5. Alexa Leary’s Inspirational Return
Australian swimmer Alexa Leary has a remarkable story that exemplifies courage and resilience. After surviving a horrific cycling accident, she transitioned from triathlon to swimming, recently qualifying for her first Paralympics. With events in the 50m and 100m freestyle scheduled to start on August 29, 2024 at 5:30 pm AEST, Leary’s journey from tragedy to triumph is one of the most inspiring narratives of these Games. Her determination is backed by strong family support, making her races a must-watch.
6. Hani Watson’s Para-Powerlifting Dreams
Hani Watson is gearing up for an impressive showing in para-powerlifting, where athletes compete in a one-rep maximum bench press. Having won a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Watson’s dedication to the sport stems from her late father’s legacy, a passionate bodybuilder. Born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, she has worked tirelessly to overcome physical challenges. Watson’s event on September 8, 2024 at 7:35 pm AEST will not only be a showcase of strength but also a celebration of perseverance.
7. Ma Lin: The Bear Attack Survivor
In table tennis, Ma Lin’s story is as gripping as it is inspiring. Having lost his right arm to a bear in a harrowing zoo incident, Lin has risen to become a formidable player on the international scene. His determination and skill have shaped him into a noteworthy figure in the sport. The competition starts on August 29, 2024 at 6 pm AEST, and Lin’s participation will not only bring excitement to the table but also educate and inspire viewers about overcoming life’s challenges. His strength and courage made his place on our 10 Must-Watch Paralympic Events list.
8. Australia’s Wheelchair Rugby Team
The Australian wheelchair rugby team, known as the Steelers, carries a legacy of success into the Paralympics. After securing silver in 2008 and consecutive golds in 2012 and 2016, the team is driven by a quest for redemption following their fourth-place finish in Tokyo. With notable players like Ryley Batt and Chris Bond leading the charge, coupled with three talented women athletes, the Steelers’ games scheduled on August 29, 2024 at 7:30 pm AEST promise to be a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and teamwork.
9. Swimming Showdown: Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson vs. Ahmed Kelly
The upcoming swimming events featuring Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson and Ahmed Kelly will be a highlight of the Paralympics. Both men have navigated their own paths full of challenges and successes, with Patterson seeking a gold medal after securing silver and bronze in Tokyo. Their head-to-head 150m individual medley on September 1, 2024 at 5:30 pm AEST captures the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines the Games. Expect a display of skill combined with the heartwarming story of friendship through adversity.
10. Alistair Donohoe’s Cycling Quest
Cyclist Alistair Donohoe stands as one of the most motivated athletes in the Paralympics, particularly after placing in multiple events at Tokyo. His determination shines through, especially given the backdrop of a life-threatening crash. With events starting on August 31, 2024 at 7:58 pm AEST, Donohoe’s races are more than just competitions; they represent the essence of the Paralympic spirit, embodying resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Final Thoughts
As we anticipate the exceptional narratives that will unfold during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, these ten must-watch events promise to inspire, entertain, and showcase the very best of human spirit and athletic prowess. With a range of sports, each event enriched with times of triumph over adversity, these games will undoubtedly resonate with audiences across the globe and serve as a powerful reminder of what athletes can achieve against the odds. The spotlight will be on not just the competitors but the valuable lessons they impart through their journeys each story a testament to human resilience, ambition, and courage. Prepare to support and celebrate these incredible athletes as they take center stage on the world’s platform, enriching our lives with their extraordinary achievements.
