Avani Lekhara of Team India competes on her way to winning the gold medal in the R2 – Women’s 10m AR Standing SH1 Qualification on day 6 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Asaka Shooting Range on August 30, 2021 in Asaka, Japan (📸 Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The stage is set for incredible comebacks at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games! 🌟
Here are returning athletes to watch as they aim for glory at Paris 2024. From seasoned champions to those seeking redemption, these Paralympians are ready to make their mark!
BEIJING – SEPTEMBER 11: Sherif Othman Othman of Egypt wins gold in the Men’s -56 kg during the Powerlifting at the Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium during day five of the 2008 Paralympic Games on September 11, 2008 in Bejing, China. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 02: David Smith of Team Great Britain reacts during his team’s Pool A match against Team Thailand on day 9 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on September 02, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for International Paralympic Committee)CHIBA, JAPAN – AUGUST 28: Beatrice Vio of Team Italy
reacts to winning a gold medal against Zhou Jingling of Team Peoples Republic of China in the women’s wheelchair fencing, Foil Individual Category B, Gold medal event on day 4 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Makuhari Event Hall on August 28, 2021 in Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 05: Marcel Hug of Team Switzerland rounds the bend on the wait to victory in the Mens Marathon – T52 on day 12 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 05, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 29: Birgit Skarstein of Team Norway celebrates after winning the Gold medal in the PR1 Women’s Single Sculls Final on day 5 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Sea Forest Waterway on August 29, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)of Australia during the Gold Medal match of Mixed Wheelchair Rugby against Canada on day 11 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Basketball Arena on September 9, 2012 in London, England.ASAKA, JAPAN – AUGUST 30: Avani Lekhara of Team India competes on her way to winning the gold medal in the R2 – Women’s 10m AR Standing SH1 Qualification on day 6 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Asaka Shooting Range on August 30, 2021 in Asaka, Japan. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 04: Omara Durand Elias of Team Cuba reacts after winning the gold medal and breaking the world record after competing in the Women’s 200m – T12 Final on day 11 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)📸Paris2024
Sherif Osman 🇪🇬 | Para Powerlifting Egypt’s powerlifting star is focused on achieving six Paralympic golds. With three golds already, he’s aiming for another victory at Paris 2024.
David Smith 🇬🇧 | Boccia David Smith, a four-time Paralympian, is known for his vibrant celebrations and ever-changing mohawk. He’s won a medal at every Games, including three golds. What color will his medal, and his hair, be at Paris 2024?
Bebe Vio 🇮🇹 | Wheelchair Fencing Bebe Vio, one of the most recognized Paralympians, won gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Now, she’s aiming for a hat-trick at Paris 2024.
Marcel Hug 🇨🇠| Para Athletics Marcel Hug, “The Silver Bullet,” swept Tokyo 2020 with four golds and set a marathon world record. He’s now aiming to solidify his legacy at Paris 2024 – and maybe learn guitar.
Birgit Skarstein 🇳🇴 | Para Rowing Norwegian dual-sport athlete Birgit Skarstein has dominated Para rowing and cross-country skiing. After an undefeated 2023, she’s ready to shine at Paris 2024.
Australia 🇦🇺 | Mixed Wheelchair Rugby After missing the podium at Tokyo 2020, Australia’s wheelchair rugby team bounced back to win the 2022 World Championships. Now, they’re aiming for redemption at Paris 2024.
Avani Lekhara 🇮🇳 | Shooting At Tokyo 2020, 19-year-old Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win Paralympic gold in the R2 10m air rifle, also earning bronze in the R8 event.
Omara Durand 🇨🇺 | Para Athletics Cuba’s sprint queen has been unbeatable since Beijing 2008, with eight golds to her name. She’s chasing more records at Paris 2024.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE FOR THE 2024 PARIS PARALYMPIC GAMES