Great Britain celebrated another spectacular Paralympic Games performance with more golds and medals than in Tokyo three years ago, urging “not to take our eyes off the ball” as global competition rises.
Paris 2024 increased the standard for disability sports, both in and out of competition, with organisers praising the “crazy” experience of ardent French fans. Britain is pleased to again come second in the medal table, behind only China, with eight more gold medals than three years ago, even though more nations joined and won more medals than ever before.
Penny Briscoe, chef de mission of ParalympicsGB, praised the athletes, coaches, and support staff for achieving 49 gold medals and 124 overall, surpassing the achievement in Tokyo.
“This Games set high standards, and medals and personal bests have never been more competitive. Rob Oliver finished sixth in para-canoeing, 1/1400th of a second behind second. Claire Taggart and David Smith, defending Boccia world champions, were millimetres from gold medal matches.
“Very thin margins. Going home will allow us to contemplate those margins and unpack them. As we look to LA, where standards will rise, we must stay focused.”
117 British competitors will return with medals, including record canoeing, triathlon, and rowing results, and more pool golds than ever. Briscoe said Britain would compete in many sports even while other nations specialise.
“We are an inclusive environment, an inclusive team,” she remarked. We’ve won gold in all disability groups, which reflects our goals. If we narrow our emphasis, we may not be faithful to that. ParalympicsGB is an elite handicap sports group with big plans to use its platform for social change. That sport and impairment group breadth is crucial to the strategy.”
Dr. Kate Barker, head of performance at UK Sport, said ParalympicsGB would seek greater government money to support its purpose and stay competitive. “I think we need to discuss what that means for us if we end up with fewer medals on the table going forward,” she said.
“But it won’t get cheaper, and we won’t say, ‘Well, less funding because there are fewer medals.’ We realise staying competitive will cost more. The government has committed to matching and building on that money, which is crucial for our success and to staying in LA.”
Paris has truly set a new standard, particularly in terms of the experience for both athletes and fans, according to Andrew Parsons, the President of the International Paralympic Committee. As the French capital gets ready to resume its normal routine after a summer that captured the world, Parsons commends the city for its exceptional efforts.
Paris 2024 sets a new standard for the Paralympic Games, excelling in every aspect of its organisation, according to the speaker. The athlete experience at the village has been truly exceptional, with an array of amazing services available to them. The crowds at the venues have been absolutely incredible. They truly add to the vibrant atmosphere of these games.
Parsons mentioned the men’s wheelchair tennis final between Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Tokito Oda as an illustration of the heightened levels of competition at the Games this year. Parsons expressed his admiration for the match, stating that it was truly remarkable. He also praised the entire tennis tournament for its incredible display of talent. And this was evident in numerous other sports. It’s intriguing to note that there may be a decrease in the number of world records being broken in this context.
It’s encouraging to see that there aren’t numerous world records being shattered, as it indicates that the Paralympic movement is advancing in a more competitive manner.
The president of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, has consistently used the word “crazy” to depict the events and atmosphere in the streets and arenas of Paris. He reiterated this sentiment when declaring the successful completion of the Paralympics and the profound effect it has had on the country.
“The opening ceremony was a catalyst,” he said. It offered a clear view and evoked a shared sense of emotion; it left lasting impressions of inclusivity. It’s truly remarkable how the Paralympics have captured the attention and excitement of 88% of the French population. The event has been filled with incredible moments, creating a vibrant atmosphere and generating immense enthusiasm. These games have been absolutely breathtaking, on par with the Olympics. They will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on people’s minds, ensuring that we will all remember them.