Record-Breaking Feats and Historic Firsts: 4 Unforgettable Highlights from the 2024 Paralympics

Olympic season has officially concluded with the conclusion of the Paralympic Games. 

The final stretch of the games wrapped up on Sunday, September 8th. The 2024 Paralympics in Paris showcased remarkable performances and record-breaking achievements. Team USA had an impressive run, winning a total of 105 medals, including 36 gold. Team USA absolutely dazzled in Paris, competing in 20 sports and dominating the podium in 16 of them. Even more thrilling, 53 American athletes earned their very first Paralympic medals, while 29 returned home with multiple medals to celebrate. 

As we patiently await to see the next round of games in 2028, here are a few of our favorite moments from the Paralympics. 

Swimmer Jessica Long, a six-time Paralympian, added two more gold medals to her collection, bringing her total to 18. Long touched the wall in just 1:10.59. She holds 31 medals altogether, solidifying her position as second most decorated U.S. Paralympians.

Cyclist Oksana Masters another American legend, won two golds in the H4-5 time trial and H5 road race. This brought her career total to 19 medals across both Winter and Summer Paralympics.

U.S. men’s wheelchair basketball team won their third consecutive gold medal, a historic feat, while the women secured silver for the first time in 32 years. 

Matt Stutzman became the first armless archer to win a Paralympic gold in the men’s individual compound open.