Let the Games begin!

As a seasoned Paralympic athlete who has competed in five Games and amassed 16 beautiful medals, I can confidently say that the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics are more than just a sporting event – they’re a symbol of inclusivity and equality. The vibrant mural at Gare du Nord welcoming visitors to the city is a testament to France’s commitment to embracing the Paralympic spirit with as much passion as the Olympic one.

Lately, after exiting Paris’s Gare du Nord train station, I came across a massive mural depicting two wheelchair rugby players in action. This artwork instantly brightened my day; welcoming visitors, it symbolized that Paris is as enthusiastic about the Paralympics as it was about the Olympics.

For me, competing in these games has always been more than just another event; it’s about striving for the day when they are viewed with the same awe as the Olympics. As a Paralympian who has competed in five games and earned 11 gold medals, 4 silver, and 1 bronze, this is my dream.

4400 athletes will participate in this year’s games, competing for medals across 549 events spread over 22 different sports. For me, these games represent the fulfillment of Dr Ludwig Guttmann’s vision, as he organized the first official competition for wheelchair athletes back in July 1948.

The event saw only 16 service members with injuries participating in archery and netball matches, and it’s hard to fully express just how significant this accomplishment was on numerous fronts. Originally known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, named after a spinal injuries unit in Buckinghamshire where groundbreaking rehabilitation work was carried out by Guttmann, these games were held at a time when the life expectancy for paraplegics ranged from two to six years. By showcasing these extraordinary individuals, defying expectations of their condition through competition and proving that it could be thrilling, they were truly pioneering.

From that seed, a global phenomenon grew. The ninth International Stoke Mandeville Games in 1960, considered to be the first official Paralympic Games, took place in Rome a few weeks after the Italian capital city hosted the Olympics, with 400 athletes from 23 countries taking part.

Over the years, they’ve expanded significantly, attracting more participants and offering a wider range of sporting events. However, due to limited television coverage and media reporting, the public’s awareness grew gradually. Yet, with every edition, there has been an evolution in these games.

In the year 1992, at the Paralympics held in Barcelona, I experienced something truly extraordinary as a past athlete – this particular event stood out among all others because I was rewarded with four gold medals. The Spanish audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, making it an unforgettable experience to compete in a packed stadium.

Let the Games begin!

2021 marked a year where organizers of the Tokyo Games tirelessly endeavored to foster an environment of camaraderie and encouragement for all competitors amidst the looming shadow of the worldwide pandemic. Regrettably, due to Covid-19 guidelines, it was not possible to have spectators in attendance.

It’s great news that those days have passed, and this summer, our Paralympians will perform in the presence of cheering spectators worldwide, along with an extraordinary number of global broadcasters. The USA is set to air an unprecedented amount of live coverage on prominent channels. When America pays attention, it’s a sign that progress is taking place.

UK broadcaster Channel 4, known for airing the Paralympics, is not only showcasing a wide variety of sports but also pushing boundaries. They’ve created a thought-provoking social media advertisement that encourages viewers to reconsider their perspective on the Paralympics. The ad features a girl praising an athlete’s performance, followed by her boyfriend questioning, “Considering what?” implying a shift in the way we perceive and discuss the Paralympics.

It’s common knowledge that the sentence concludes with “her disability.” This aspect is crucial to understanding what disability advocates refer to as “inspirational exploitation.” If you’re not familiar, it’s a bothersome perspective that views disabled individuals as inspiring simply for performing daily tasks – regardless of being exceptional athletes.

The Paralympic field presents challenging terrain as it’s filled with incredibly inspiring moments, similar to other sports. However, not every competitive instance or personal narrative is inspiring. I was born with spina bifida and started using a wheelchair at a young age. To me, this isn’t a sensational tale but merely a part of my life that shouldn’t overshadow my athletic accomplishments being acknowledged.

With retirement now behind me, I eagerly anticipate taking my place at the finish line in Paris and witnessing extraordinary sports performances daily as part of the Channel 4 commentary team. As an athlete, time for spectating other events was scarce, so this opportunity to have a front-row view is truly an honor.

Instead, I often find myself momentarily dreaming about standing at the starting line, but then reality quickly sets in, reminding me of the numerous tough training sessions I’d need to endure, every single day, to get there.

As a movie critic, I’m equally excited for this year’s Paralympic Opening Ceremony. The Olympics opening ceremony left an indelible mark, unlike anything seen before. Initially, during the first hour, I found myself questioning its coherence. However, as the show progressed, I grew to admire their bold and innovative approach.

After the applause fades, our world changes very little

Instead of hosting the event in a stadium and making it the first time Paralympians joined the torchlight procession, the organizers chose to hold the ceremony in the city, which suggested this Games is for everyone, not just those who are not disabled or can afford expensive tickets for the opening celebration. Kudos to them!

I sincerely hope that the spirit of equality, which these Games embody, extends beyond their duration. Being a lifelong advocate for disability rights, I’ve learned that although the stadium cheers may echo, the world at large often remains unchanged for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, returning to the profound painting that welcomed me in that Parisian train station, it’s clear that these Games are captivating in a way reminiscent of the Olympics…

During my trip to Paris via Eurostar, I had an enjoyable journey, yet found that there were very few accommodations for wheelchair users. Regrettably, the promise to enhance accessibility on the Metro for this year’s games didn’t seem to be kept.

In the United Kingdom, a goal was set for all trains to become step-free by the 1st of January 2020. However, this has not been achieved yet, and it might take several decades before this becomes a reality.

As a cinema enthusiast, I wouldn’t say the Paralympics didn’t bring about change; quite the contrary! Following London 2012, I noticed a significant difference in my daily commute. Some key Tube stations became step-free, making travel easier for everyone, especially those with mobility challenges. The financial investment of the Games also seemed to shift the mindset of shop owners, businesses, companies, and brands. They started thinking more deeply about how they could make their spaces more accessible, demonstrating a commendable commitment to inclusivity.

Indeed, it’s encouraging to notice an increase in representation of people with disabilities in the media, making it more diverse and inclusive. However, it’s clear we still have a distance to cover in everyday life. Here’s hoping the Paralympics inspire lasting change, preferably one that blossoms swiftly rather than taking an extended period to develop.

2024-08-20 13:06

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