Paris is gearing up for its first-ever Paralympic Games, and South Africa is sending a strong team ready to shine on the global stage. With 4,400 athletes from 184 delegations participating, the Games officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremony last night at the Place de la Concorde.

From 29 August to 8 September, athletes from 168 countries will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports. Among them are our very own South African athletes, who are ready to make us proud!

South African athletes to watch

For South African fans, the Games promise excitement, with several standout athletes aiming for the podium.

  • Christian Sadie: A name to remember in the swimming events. Sadie has been making waves in recent competitions and is looking to continue his winning streak in the men’s 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke. Swimmers like Sadie compete with limited movement in the arms, trunk, and legs ,or moderate impairment on one side of the body, such as short stature or missing limbs. Sadie’s determination and recent form suggest he could be a strong contender for the podium.
  • Mpumelelo Mhlongo: A flag bearer for Team South Africa, will be competing in both the men’s T44 long jump and 100m sprints. This category includes Athletes with movement affected at a low or moderate degree in one lower leg. With his speed and skill, Mhlongo has been a rising star on the international stage.
  • Kat Swanepoel: Another flag bearer, Swanepoel is a versatile swimmer who will participate in a range of events, including the S5 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and 200m freestyle, as well as the SB4 100m breaststroke and S14 400m freestyle. Swanepoel, who competes in categories for swimmers with impaired coordination or limb absence, is expected to excel with her exceptional technique and determination.
  • Alani Ferreira: Competing in her third Paralympics, Ferreira will be a key competitor in events such as the S12 400m freestyle, SB12 100m breaststroke, and SM12 200m individual medley. Despite her visual impairment, Ferreira’s experience and strategic approach make her a formidable opponent in the pool.
  • Danika Vyncke: Making her Paralympic debut at just 17 years old, Vyncke will compete in the S13 category for swimmers with visual impairments. She brings youthful enthusiasm and significant promise, already having qualified for the games with impressive performances at the 2023 World Championships.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are set to be historic in more ways than one. With a record number of delegations and an all-time high of female athletes participating, these Games are being celebrated as the most inclusive yet. Events to watch out for in the first few days include swimming, cycling, and men’s wheelchair basketball starting today, while track and field kicks off on Friday.

Two unique sports you won’t see at the Olympics are goalball and boccia. In goalball, visually impaired athletes compete by throwing a ball with bells towards the opposing team’s goal, while boccia involves rolling balls as close as possible to a target. These sports showcase the innovation and adaptability that make the Paralympics so inspiring.

As Paris takes centre stage (again), let’s cheer on our South African Paralympians as they compete with passion and determination, representing not just themselves but the spirit of a nation. With new heroes set to emerge and countless stories waiting to be told, the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris are sure to leave us inspired.