In recent years, increasing recognition for the Paralympic Games has shed light on the stories of many admirable athletes competing with disabilities, bringing a new wave of enthusiasm to the Paralympics.
The challenges that Paralympians face to compete at the highest competitive level are immense. Athletes not only have to contend with rigorous training and competition, like any elite athlete, but also with physical barriers that come along with living with a disability. Whether they are a sprinter running on a prosthetic limb or a midfielder passing the ball without sight, Paralympians consistently push the boundaries of human ability. Despite these accomplishments, their stories are often overshadowed by the more famous ones of Olympic athletes.
The U.S. mens’ wheelchair basketball team made history at this year’s 2024 Paralympic Games after becoming the first country to win three straight gold medals, and the U.S. women’s team claimed silver for the first time in 32 years. Four-time Paralympian Matt Stutzman also became the first armless archer to win a Paralympic gold medal after earning a medal in this year’s individual compound open.
Head of School Jason Gallagher adds, “I believe that it is underappreciated. […] The challenge is how to make it more accessible, as I’ve only read newspaper articles about it.”
Paralympic athletes and organizations have begun using social media platforms to share achievements, stories and day-to-day experiences, which serve as an inspiration to countless athletes and viewers alike. The viral nature of the internet has created the perfect opportunity to amplify the Paralympic Games, allowing them to reach a wider audience.
TikTok has played a vital role in popularizing the Paralympics where creators have produced numerous short-form videos which are often catered to younger generations. Viral videos often contain popular audios and funny moments exhibiting the incredible feats that Paralympic athletes achieve. Though the Paralympic TikTok account has amassed an enormous 4.7 million followers, it only reaches a third of the Olympics’s 14.9 million follower count, showing there’s still room to grow in order to completely recognize Paralympians.
Ms. Olivia Collins, a BLS Physical Education teacher, says, “My view on the Paralympics is that it’s a phenomenal thing, but the TikTok for it is incredible […] while bringing very positive attention at the same time.”
