01 Nov The Paralympics: ‘The only disability in life is a negative attitude’
The quote in the title of this article comes from Tatyana McFadden.
The American Paralympic star has won nearly 20 medals in multiple Games.
Born with spina bifida, which paralysed her from the waist down, she refused to let her disability stop her, eventually being named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability in 2015.
Her indomitable spirit is typical of the Paralympic Games, an incredible international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities.
Governed by the International Paralympic Committee, the Games are held every four years, following the Olympics, and showcase the talents and athleticism of athletes with various physical, visual, and intellectual impairments.
History and background
Origins: The Paralympic Games originated as a small gathering of British World War II veterans with spinal injuries. The first competition, known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, was organised by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1948 in England to coincide with the London Olympics. These games are considered the precursor to the modern Paralympics.
First official Paralympics: The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960. The event featured 400 athletes from 23 countries, all of whom had spinal cord injuries.
Growth: Over the years, the Paralympics have expanded significantly to include athletes with a wide range of disabilities, including amputees and those with cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and intellectual disabilities. The Games have grown in size, scope, and visibility, becoming one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Structure and governance
International Paralympic Committee (IPC): The IPC, founded in 1989, is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. It organises the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and oversees the development of Paralympic sports.
Classification: Athletes in the Paralympics are classified based on the type and extent of their disabilities to ensure fair competition. The classification system groups athletes into classes based on their physical, visual, or intellectual impairments.
Paralympic sports
Summer Paralympics: The Summer Paralympics feature a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, and more. Many sports are adapted versions of Olympic sports, while others, like boccia and goalball, are unique to the Paralympics
Winter Paralympics: The Winter Paralympics include sports such as alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice hockey (sled hockey), and wheelchair curling.
Notable Paralympians
Tatyana McFadden (USA): A wheelchair racer who has won multiple Paralympic gold medals in track and field.
Ellie Simmonds (UK): A British swimmer who has won numerous gold medals in Paralympic swimming events – and comes from Northamptonshire!
Markus Rehm (Germany): A long jumper who competes in athletics, known for his remarkable achievements in both Paralympic and non-disabled competitions.
Jessica Long (USA): A swimmer who has won numerous Paralympic medals across several Games
Impact and legacy
Advocacy and awareness: The Paralympics play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and visibility of people with disabilities, challenging stereotypes, and promoting social inclusion.
Inspiration: The Games highlight the incredible achievements of athletes with disabilities, inspiring millions around the world.
Technological innovation: The Paralympics have driven advancements in adaptive technology, including prosthetics and wheelchairs, which have broader applications beyond sports.
Integration with the Olympic Games
‘One City, One Bid’: Since 1988 (Seoul, South Korea, Summer Games) and 1992 (Albertville, France, Winter Games), the Paralympics have been held in the same city as the Olympics, following a ‘One City, One Bid’ process. This approach has strengthened the connection between the two events and increased the visibility of the Paralympic Games.
Broadcasting and media: The Paralympics receive extensive media coverage, helping to bring the achievements of Paralympic athletes to a global audience.
The future of the Paralympics
PICTURE CAPTION FOR TOP IMAGE:
Tatyana McFadden, in blue, racing at the 2011 London Marathon. Picture via Creative Commons: https://www.flickr.com/photos/snappa2006/5630187425/