Paralympians and Olympians

 The Olympics are one of the most anticipated sports events in the entire world. People tune in to watch the most elite athletes represent their country and compete for the gold medal. 206 countries fight to claim a spot at the top of the podium every four years.

For some athletes facing physical challenges in their life, the Paralympics are the biggest stage where they are given the chance to compete against other elite athletes in their own playing field. 

Growing up, I always knew what the Paralympics were, but I wasn't very familiar with the history of the games. I never even knew that the "para" in "Paralympics" really refers to "next to the Olympics." This means that the games are performed in tandem where athletes with or without impairments are given the chance to reach for gold, each on an even playing field. 

The creation of the Paralympics was a direct result of the Second World War as soldiers were going through rehabilitation programs as a result of debilitating injuries. Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, who specialized in spinal rehabilitation, encouraged his patients to regain strength through the joys of friendly competition. 

The Stoke Mandeville games were the building blocks for the Paralympic Games to be created. After a few years of smaller Stoke-Mandeville competitions, 1964 became the first year to host the Paralympics in the city of Tokyo.

As the Paralympics evolved, the International Paralympic Committee was formed to optimize performance and efficiency for Paralympic athletes. Athletes with 10 different classifications of impairments are encouraged to compete in the Paralympics with equal opportunities as their non-impaired counterparts. 

In the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, track and field athlete Hunter Woodhall won gold for the USA in the men's 400m T62. At a young age, Hunter Woodhall had both of his legs amputated due to fibular hemimelia, which means he was born with no fibula bones. Despite years of bullying, Hunter became an outstanding track athlete. Now, Hunter competes with carbon fiber blades which allows him to run the 400 meter dash in 46.36 seconds. 

On the sister stage, Hunter's wife Tara Davis-Woodhall is also an Olympian. In the 2024 Paris games, they are seen being each other's loudest supporters in the stands. Because of adaptive sports, their success and story can be shared globally. The Paralympics allow athletes like Hunter Woodhall to showcase their talents on the world's largest stage for impaired athletes. Over 4,400 in 549 medaling events athletes to be exact.

The Paralympics and Olympics are two exceptional sporting events. One is not greater than the other. Both are amazing feats in athletics and provide opportunities for athletes of all shapes and sizes to represent their country with the world watching.