The 2024 Paris Paralympics
What to know, who to watch, and all the latest news about the Games.
More than 4,000 of the best athletes from around the world are competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games for 549 medal events across 22 sports. And SELF has you covered for all of it: From how to follow along with unique sports like goalball and boccia to all the must-see cultural moments in real time, consider this your guide to everything Paralympics.
Just ’do it
The Coolest Hairstyles We’ve Seen at the 2024 Paralympics So Far
Athletes are sporting incredible dye jobs, braids, bows, and barrettes at the Paris Games.
By Jenna Ryu
Last Year, Ali Truwit Lost Her Lower Leg in a Shark Attack. Now, She’s a Paralympic Medalist.
“When you are truly faced with death and you understand what a second chance at life means, you want to make the most of it.”
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Paralympian Lauren Steadman Had ‘Zero Expectations’ Before Winning Bronze While Managing Long COVID
For the British triathlete, “just to be on the start line was fantastic.”
By Taylor Dutch
8 Things to Know About Femita Ayanbeku, the Paralympian Who Qualified for Paris 6 Months After Giving Birth
She shares with SELF how she got started running at 23, her training modifications while pregnant, and why retirement is looking less likely.
By Cindy Kuzma
‘Appalling’: The Paralympic Women’s Cycling Course Is Just Half the Length of the Men’s
Gold medalist Sarah Storey called the decision a “real disappointment.”
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Everything You Need to Know About the Paralympic Classifications
If you’re wondering why there are more than a dozen 100-meter races, read this.
By Cindy Kuzma
The Number of Women Playing Wheelchair Rugby at the Paralympics Has Doubled Since Tokyo
The mixed-gender (but male-dominated) sport still has a ways to go.
By Taylor Dutch
6 Things to Know About Valentina Petrillo, the First Trans Athlete to Compete at the Paralympics
Her dream has been more than four decades in the making.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Zakia Khudadadi Just Became the First Athlete From the Refugee Paralympic Team to Win a Medal
She dedicated her performance to the women of Afghanistan.
By Taylor Dutch
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It Shouldn’t Be This Expensive to Be a Paralympic Athlete
Unique equipment and travel needs coupled with limited sponsorship opportunities can keep people from entering parasports altogether.
By Katie Camero
Do Paralympic Guides Get Medals If Their Athletes Win?
They’re together every step of the way, from training to competition.
By Cindy Kuzma
This Paralympic Archer Just Competed While 7 Months Pregnant
Jodie Grinham added a few extra elements to her training routine to account for a surprise kick or two.
By Cindy Kuzma
What to Know About Boccia, the Unique Paralympic Sport With No Olympic Counterpart
You’ve just made an amazing throw! Great—now your opponent can knock it right out.
By Taylor Dutch
How Paralympic Swimmer Mallory Weggemann Starts Her Day
Her a.m. essentials include a protein-packed breakfast and time with her baby.
By Grace McCarty
Why Is Wheelchair Rubgy Nicknamed…Murderball?!
Collisions actually play a strategic role in this Paralympic sport.
By Cindy Kuzma
8 Things to Know About Paralympic Guides, Pilots, and Tappers
They keep the athletes safe and set them up for success—all while training their own bodies for high-level competition too.
By Cindy Kuzma
What Is Goalball—And Why Are All the Athletes Wearing Black-Out Goggles?
You’ll definitely want to tune into this super-intense Paralympic sport.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Who and What to Watch For at the 2024 Paralympic Games
From rising stars to absolute legends, these athletes are bringing it all to Paris.
By Cindy Kuzma
If You’re Not Following the Perfectly Unserious Paralympics TikTok, You’re Missing Out
“Our content is edgy, it’s borderline, but we’ve got the balance right.”
By Katie Camero
Yes, We Have to Wait 2 Whole Weeks for the Paralympics to Start—Here’s Why
There are a few main reasons for the delay.
By Katie Camero
Inside the Paralympic Games
How Jamal Hill Navigated the Hardest Year of His Athletic Career
Swimmer Jamal Hill on how he navigated self doubt and financial stress.
Team USA Answers
Paralympic Athletes Open Up to SELF
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