Anticipated 2024 Paralympics: Schedule, Events, South African Medal Contenders, and Notable Athletes of Renown
Paris 2024 Paralympics: South Africa's Medal Contenders and World-Renowned Athletes
Keep an eye out for the Paralympic Games in Paris from August 28 to September 8! We've got the scoop on which South African athletes might bag some medals, an overview of the schedule, and five standout Paralympians to watch out for.
Schedule (Breakdown)
Prepare for an action-packed event filled with activities like:
- Swimming: Kicks off on August 29
- Wheelchair Tennis: Takes place from August 30 to September 7
- Archery: Starts on August 29
- Athletics: Begins on August 31
- Cycling (Track): Runs from September 1-5
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South Africa's Medal Prospects
South Africa has a strong history in the Paralympic Games, and these talented athletes could shine in Paris:
- Mpumelelo Mhlongo: A multi-world-record holder in the T44 category (Single below knee amputation), Mhlongo is a sprinter and long jumper to watch out for.
- Kat Swanepoel: With several medals from World Championships under her belt, Swanepoel is a versatile swimmer competing in multiple S5 and SB4 classes (Moderate level of disability, full arm and hand usage but limited or no trunk and leg usage).
- Ntando Mahlangu: Tokyo 2020 gold medalist in both T61 sprinting and long jumping events, Mahlangu is an amputee athlete who will undoubtedly impress once again.
- Anrune Weyers: Gold medalist in the T45 400m race at Tokyo 2020, Weyers competes with double above or below the elbow amputations or a similar disability.
- Pieter du Preez: Since winning the H1 time trial gold in Tokyo, du Preez has become a force to be reckoned with, as para-cyclists with a variety of disabilities compete in this classification.
Can't-Miss Athletes
Get ready to cheer for the following world-famous Paralympians hitting the scene in Paris:
- Martina Caironi (Italy): A dual gold medalist who competes in the T42 and T63 categories (Single above-knee amputees), Caironi is a sprinter and long jumper to keep your eye on. She's previously won multiple medals in the 100-meter and long jump events.
- Timothé Adolphe (France): nicknamed "Le Guépard Blanc" (The White Cheetah), Adolphe has silver medalist status from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as he competes with visual impairment in the T11 category.
- Ezra Frech (USA): A rising star in para-athletics, Frech already holds multiple world records in the high jump and competes in the T63 category.
- Simone Barlaam (Italy): Known for his 18 World Championship gold medals and four Paralympic medals, Barlaam is a para-swimming sensation competing in the S9 category.
- Sophie Pascoe (New Zealand): A powerhouse in the para-swimming world, Pascoe is New Zealand's most decorated Paralympian with multiple gold medals from previous games. She competes in the S9 category and is expected to continue her dominance in Paris.
For more information on South Africa's competitors in the 2024 Paralympics, make sure to check out the latest news and official sources.
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- During the Paralympic Games in Paris from August 29 to September 8, spectators can watch wheelchair tennis, as it takes place from August 30 to September 7, alongside other sporting events.
- Among the standout Paralympians to watch out for are Mpumelelo Mhlongo, a South African sprinter and long jumper in the T44 category, and Simone Barlaam, an Italian para-swimmer with 18 World Championship gold medals and four Paralympic medals.
