The Paralympic Games prove that human potential has no limits. While people often view them as a side event to the Olympics, the Paralympics serve as a massive elite competition with its own unique history and technology. For instance, the movement started as a small archery contest for injured war veterans in England. Furthermore, the name does not actually refer to "paraplegic" anymore but to the Greek word for "alongside." Prepare to see the ultimate triumph of the spirit.
Paralympics
A doctor founded the games to help World War II veterans. Sir Ludwig Guttmann worked at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Great Britain. He believed that sports provided the best therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries. Consequently, he organized the first competition on the same day as the 1948 London Olympics.
The original name of Paralympics was the “Stoke Mandeville Games.” Only sixteen injured servicemen and women competed in that first event. Specifically, they participated in archery and javelin. Eventually, this small hospital gathering grew into the global phenomenon we see today.
The word “Paralympic” means “alongside the Olympics.” Originally, the name combined “paraplegic” and “Olympic.” However, as the games expanded to include many different disabilities, the meaning changed. Now, the name uses the Greek preposition “para” to show that the games exist in parallel with the Olympics.
Wheelchair rugby was originally called “murderball.” Players use custom-made chairs with front bumpers designed for high-speed crashes. Because the sport is so physical and brutal, the original creators thought “murderball” captured the intensity perfectly.
Visually impaired swimmers have “tappers.” Because they cannot see the wall, an assistant stands at the end of the lane with a long pole. The tapper gently hits the swimmer on the head or back to signal when they need to turn or finish.
The “Armless Archer” uses his feet to shoot. Matt Stutzman was born without arms, so he taught himself to load and fire a bow using his legs and a special shoulder release. Remarkably, he set a world record for the longest accurate shot in archery history, beating out able-bodied professionals.
Most athletes used their “everyday” wheelchairs until the 1980s. Before specialized technology existed, competitors used heavy, robust chairs for everything. Now, engineers use carbon fiber and titanium to create ultra-light racing chairs that are fine-tuned for speed and aerodynamics.
The most decorated Paralympian holds more medals than Michael Phelps. American swimmer Trischa Zorn won a staggering 55 medals over her career, including 41 golds. Although Phelps is the Olympic king, Zorn remains the undisputed queen of the Paralympic pool.
Guides also receive medals in certain events. In sports like Para cycling (tandem) or Para athletics (blind running), the “pilot” or guide runner is essential. Therefore, the International Paralympic Committee awards them the same gold, silver, or bronze medals as the athletes they lead.
The Paralympics logo features three “Agitos.” Unlike the Olympic rings, the Paralympic symbol uses three asymmetrical crescents. The word “Agito” comes from the Latin for “I move.” These shapes symbolize the athletes coming together from all corners of the globe to compete.
Egypt has a powerlifter who lifts four times his body weight. Sherif Osman competes in the 59kg category but can lift over 200kg. That is roughly the weight of 140 bags of flour or a small motorcycle, all while keeping his lower body completely still.
Football 5-a-side players wear blindfolds for fairness. Since players have varying levels of visual impairment, everyone wears a mask to ensure an equal playing field. Furthermore, the ball contains bells so the players can locate it by sound, which requires the crowd to remain completely silent.
Tandem cyclists can reach speeds of 60 km/h. A sighted “pilot” sits at the front to steer, while the visually impaired athlete provides the power from the back. Together, they create a high-speed machine that rivals any professional racing bike.
The Paralympics have been held in the same city as the Olympics since 1988. Before the Seoul Games, the two events often took place in different countries. Now, an official agreement ensures that the Paralympics use the exact same world-class venues immediately after the Olympics end.
Finally, one athlete competes by holding a paddle in his mouth. Egyptian table tennis player Ibrahim Hamato lost both arms in a train accident. Consequently, he developed a unique style where he grips the paddle with his teeth and serves the ball using his foot.
