Spanning 11 days, the Paralympics Games will take place all over Paris, with the programme of sports including blind football, Para archery, sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby, to name just a few, for spectators to enjoy.
In this article, we explore the history of the Paralympic Games, what the event is like today and how the sports are inclusive for people with spinal cord injuries.
Where it all began
Informally, the first Paralympics began in 1948 in Stoke Mandeville: a hospital for war veterans. German neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttman innovated a way for veterans with spinal cord injuries to rehabilitate faster… through sporting events! These were inspired by the Olympic Games, which was happening in London at the time.
Changing history
Thus began a sporting movement that would change history.
Originally coined the International Stoke Mandeville Games, these sporting events developed over time to become the Paralympics.
Most of the athletes have historically been paraplegic, participating in sports such as Para netball, and Para archery, both of which were the original sports chosen for the veterans to compete in. Subsequently, sports like Para athletics, wheelchair basketball, Para swimming and Para table tennis were all added to the programme, which is only continuing to grow.
Positive change
In 1988, the Paralympic Games were held for the first time in the same host city as the Olympic Games, removing the sense of ‘othering’ between the two competitions, an incredibly positive step for the awareness of this sporting event.
Today, as many as 4,400 athletes will be competing in the Paris Paralympics Games 2024.
This growing participation in and visibility for the Paralympic Games is driving positive change in and outside the stadiums. As a direct result of the Paralympics, Paris’ overground public transport has been altered to become more accessible, elevating inclusivity for both athletes and spectators.
Paralympians with spinal cord injuries
As discussed, spinal cord injuries were the founding principle for the Paralympics to aid in the war veterans’ rehabilitation process.
Today, there are still strong representatives for the spinal cord injury community within the Paralympics. Sophie Carrigill, Louise Sugden, Gavin Walker, David Weir and Simon Munn, to name just a few, are among the famous Great British athletes who have competed in this globally renowned competition.
Overcoming adversity
Many of these Paralympians were athletes before their injuries, for example, Sophie Carrigill, their accidents reframed their perspective and enabled them to explore new opportunities, adopting new methods for achieving excellence in the same sport, or even transferring their talents to new sports.
Some weren’t born athletes, like Gavin Walker, who began his career as a firefighter. They’ve found their beloved sports after their injuries.
Others have never known anything different, like David Weir, carving a space for themselves in the sporting world, despite the odds.
Sporting Excellence
It’s truly awe-inspiring the ways in which these Paralympians have tackled adversity, overcoming the challenges presented by their injuries and becoming elite athletes.
Sophie Carrigill
For Sophie Carrigill, sport had always been a passion, an integral part of her life. After a serious car accident and discovering she wouldn’t be able to walk again, she turned her sporting talents to Wheelchair Basketball and has since co-captained Team GB’s efforts for Rio 2016.
Gavin Walker
A firefighter since 2003, Gavin Walker experienced his spinal cord injury after slipping on some wet decking. During the rehabilitation process, Walker was introduced to Wheelchair Rugby, having since made his Paralympic debut in Rio, in 2016, as well as competing in Tokyo, in 2020. He has said that the sport has been life-changing for both his mental health and physical health, strongly encouraging others to get involved in Wheelchair Rugby.
David Weir
Born with a spinal cord transection, David Weir is an incredible example of Team GB’s success in the Paralympics. Since making his debut at 17 years old in the 1996 Atlanta Games, Weir has won 10 Paralympic medals to date as a Paralympic Athlete: six gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Begin your rehabilitation journey
At Aspire Law, we are the leading law firm for people with spinal cord injuries. Working with industry experts and medical professionals, we can support you in beginning your rehabilitation journey. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll become a Paralympian!
Get in contact with us to find out more about all of the ways we can help you with your recovery.
