Harshad Patel
French athlete Aurélie Aubert made history at the Paris Paralympics by winning gold in boccia, a sport comparable to bowls and pétanque. Aubert, who has cerebral palsy and competed in the BC1 category, achieved France’s first medal in this sport. Her strategic prowess and precise gameplay were celebrated nationwide, with large crowds at the Club France fan zone and extensive media coverage showcasing the nation’s pride and enthusiasm.
The success of the Paris Paralympics was marked by record-breaking ticket sales, with over 90% of the nearly 2.5 million tickets purchased by French residents. The Games also saw unprecedented TV viewership figures. Home support was a significant factor in the French athletes’ performance, who managed to greatly improve their medal count compared to the previous Tokyo Games.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, France is aiming to build on this newfound interest in parasport. Historically, parasport in France has been underfunded and poorly supported. To address this, there is a push to improve access and facilities for athletes with disabilities, with current statistics showing that only 1.4% of France’s sports clubs are equipped to include people with disabilities.
The French men’s blind football team, despite limited training compared to their international competitors, made a significant impact by reaching the final. Their success, alongside strong performances from para-cyclists like Alexandre Léauté and Marie Patouillet, highlighted the potential of French parasports and the need for better training and support systems.
In para-swimming, athletes like Emeline Pierre and the Didier brothers achieved notable successes, with Pierre winning gold and bronze medals and Ugo Didier securing a gold and two silvers. The achievements of athletes like Laurent Chardard, who overcame a shark attack, and Alexis Hanquinquant, who carried the Olympic flame, were particularly inspiring, showcasing resilience and dedication.
The Paris Paralympics also brought a shift in how parasports are perceived in France, moving from “superhuman” metaphors to a focus on shared humanity and equality. This cultural change was reflected in the Games’ broader acceptance and the call for it to be a starting point for greater inclusion of the 12 million people with disabilities in France, rather than an end point.
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