The Paris Paralympics is over and it’s another four-year wait until we see the para athletes compete again at the next summer games in Los Angeles in 2028.
This year’s Games have provided many standout sporting highlights with thrilling moments, unexpected wins and an intoxicating atmosphere.
Guardian writers have shared their most memorable Paris Paralympic moments and here readers from around the world recall some of theirs.
Miles Krajewski in the SH6 men’s badminton: ‘I have never cheered harder for an athlete’
My favourite moment of the Paralympics has been a badminton match between American Miles Krajewski and Brazilian Vitor Tavares. Vitor dominated the first set, and I was disappointed that the two players might not be evenly matched. However, in the beginning of the second set, Miles had an incredible 12-point streak that left the Brazilian looking totally lost. I have never cheered harder for an athlete.
Miles won the second set and was neck and neck with Vitor during the third. The final points were thrilling, and the last point saw Miles diving twice to save the birdie, only to barely miss it. The match was over and I was disappointed for Miles, but what a match. I stood and applauded. I can’t be too disappointed in the result because Miles won a silver for the USA in his category in the mixed doubles. Attending the Paralympics has allowed me to discover new sports (Let’s go Team USA Goalball!) and new athletes. I’m looking forward to following the Paralympics from now on. Elizabeth, 30, Paris
Sheetal Devi in the mixed team compound archery: ‘Enthralling’
I have loved watching the Paralympics. It is so enthralling to see human spirit strive across all hurdles. Also quite motivating to see these athletes perform at such levels despite their physical setbacks. The greatest moment has been watching 17-year-old Sheetal Devi [the only female archer without arms at the Games] from a remote village in India take the centre stage with her archery skills. Her win in the mixed doubles bronze with Devi-Rakesh Kumar was my favourite moment as it says sport and perseverance (despite all odds) can take you to the world’s stage. Harinee Mosur Narasimhan, India
‘The audience blew us away’
My husband and I just came back from three action-packed days discovering the Paralympics. The thing that blew us away the most was actually the audience. During blind football, the audience started a silent wave that went many times around the stadium. Every time something dramatic happened in the game, there was a chorus of “oh’” from the audience, which was clearly everyone trying to shut themselves up despite being so deeply connected to the game and its ups and downs. It’s truly amazing to be in a stadium of that size, completely packed with people all focused completely on the game, and yet be sitting in total silence. Susan Brink, 43, Germany
Stephen McGuire in the BC4 men’s individual boccia: ‘Spellbinding’
It has to be Stephen McGuire taking the gold in the individual boccia final. He had such history with Edilson Chica Chica, had come back from injury, and the faces of both men were a study, as spellbinding as the play. We saw mutual respect and regard from facing several Olympic finals together. Both were champions as competitors and human beings. There was skill, courage, the desire to win even at a fourth attempt, and a generous ending. I loved every bit of it. Sis Evans, South Wales
Dan Pembroke in the F13 men’s javelin: ‘Such an inspiration’
Dan Pembroke was my former gym instructor when he was a coach at Golden Valley community gym in rural Herefordshire. I joined the gym after the first lockdown in 2020. It’s a small community gym in a village, but it was so exciting to be out. As a middle-aged sport-phobic, I had low expectations of my performance and was prepared to hate the unavoidable exercise, but Dan met me at the level I was at with good cheer, rigour and unrelenting positivity. He treated us all the same, he had time for everyone, and never gave the impression that encouraging middle aged ladies to lift a slightly heavier weight was less exciting than training for the Olympics.
My favourite moment was when he not only won his second Olympic gold for throwing the javelin, but smashed his own world record twice. His final throw seemed to begin with absolute stillness, I will never forget the look of joy on his face as the javelin soared and he knew it was going to be another world record. Thank you Dan for being such an inspiration at the greatest and smallest levels. Selina Hamilton, 58, violin teacher, Herefordshire
Archie Atkinson in the men’s C4 4,000m: ‘The atmosphere was intoxicating’
The best moment of the Paralympics was watching my husband’s nephew Archie Atkinson cycle in the velodrome on day three. In the morning he set a new world record and in the afternoon he won a silver medal in the men’s C4 4km individual pursuit. The atmosphere in the velodrome was intoxicating, with so much vocal support for Archie and his fellow athletes. Archie pushed himself to the max and gave his family and supporters a thrilling dose of drama and excitement; watching him fly around the track to chants of “Ar-chie, Ar-chie, Ar-chie” was unforgettable.
The race didn’t go the way he planned, but with a world record and silver medal at 20, he can hold his head high. His family, friends and supporters are proud of him and of the commitment and dedication he gives to his sport every day. The Paralympics spotlight what people with disabilities can achieve when they’re given equal access. Having seen first hand the lack of inclusion and access my mum experienced due to her disability, I know that attitudes and provision need to change so everyone has equal opportunities. Sports education begins at school and we urgently need more training for teachers to ensure that all children can participate in sport. Nobody should be left on the sidelines, sport is for everybody. Amy, Berkshire
