The True Olympics

 The Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger- Together" can be embodied by the athletes of the Paralympics and Olympics alike. It was founded on the idea that we can only become faster, we can only aim higher, and we can only become stronger by standing together. 

The Paralympics and the athletes who compete all posses the values that enable them to overcome the highest barriers and largest obstacles. It can be argued that the Paralympics are the real Olympics because its athletes compete at the highest level while also overcoming physical challenges to represent their country through sports. 

Paralympic athletes challenge the stereotypes of disabilities in athletics by demonstrating exceptional skill and perseverance. Not only are they the most elite athletes competing for gold, but they do so while also overcoming adversity and pushing their own physical limits. 

The Olympics and Paralympics exist as side by side competitions. Both allow athletes to have a chance at proving they earned the right to compete on the largest stage on an even playing field. 

The three Olympic values are friendship, excellence, and respect. Paralympians embody these values by sharing their love for competition while also demonstrating friendship and respect. Many athletes who compete have remarkable stories with incredible journeys that led them to where they are. Not only do they become united through sport, but also by facing adversity. 


Many Paralympic athletes are just happy to compete. They have no bigger goal or underlying intentions to receive fame and fortune. They just compete for the love of sport and for the sake of the journey they encounter on the way. 

Trischa Zorn is a visually impaired swimmer who is the most heavily decorated Paralympian in history. She has 41 gold medals (55 total) despite being blind since birth. Athletes like Trischa Zorn embody the Olympic values by being passionate for their sport no matter what obstacle may come in their way.


For more Paralympic stories, click here. 

Dr. Guttman was correct in saying that the Paralympics may be a more accurate representation of the Olympic values because they piggyback those concepts while intertwining ideas like inclusivity and courage in the face of adversity. The Paralympic Games test barriers and break down stereotypes and clearly demonstrate the spirit of athletics and the will to fight. 


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