The 2024 Paralympics have come to a close, and while Team USA performed admirably, finishing third overall with 36 golds and 105 total medals, they still lagged behind powerhouses like China and Great Britain. If you’re reading this wondering “oh, the Paralympics happened?” Don’t worry, because I didn’t watch it either, and it appears a lot of people didn’t.
According to CNN, the U.S. Paralympic team hasn’t seen the same dominance in the Paralympics as they had at this year’s Olympics in Paris, a stark contrast to their gold-medal sweeps from the ’70s to the ’90s.
So, what’s changed? Julie Dussliere, the Chief of Paralympics for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), explained that the global growth of the Paralympic movement has intensified competition.
“Team USA remains incredibly strong and well supported – and we are thrilled by the performance so far in Paris,” she told CNN.
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However, the challenge isn’t just competition on the field; it’s also about visibility.
The lack of TV coverage and promotion for the Paralympics in the U.S. has contributed to fewer athletes pursuing the dream. Former Team USA para-athlete Kristin Duquette remarked on the “disservice to society” caused by minimal Paralympics exposure, stating, “Being disabled is a part of being human.”
In short, if future athletes don’t see themselves represented, they may never start training.
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China, on the other hand, continues to dominate, investing heavily in doping infrastructure and sending its largest team yet. It’s hard to beat a country that cheats trains at the world’s largest para-sports facility.
While there’s still hope for U.S. Paralympic dominance at future games, especially as Los Angeles gears up to host in 2028, it’s clear that change takes time. As Dussliere said, “The US has come so far, and we still have so much further to go.”
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