Paralympic Games: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 14, 2026

News •

Childhood health issues led to a life in medicine for Paralympian Francine Lemire • Nov. 11, 2026, 5:42 PM ET (Globe and Mail)

The mind of a champ: Paralympic star shows how to win at mental game • Nov. 7, 2026, 11:26 AM ET (USA Today)

After 21 surgeries and two Paralympic golds, Josh Turek is chasing a Senate upset in Iowa • Oct. 20, 2026, 9:45 AM ET (New York Times)

Facts

Notable Honorees	Sophie Pascoe • Dylan Alcott • Oscar Pistorius • Natalie du Toit

Photos and Videos

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Paralympics: Snowboarding

Sir Ludwig Guttmann stands smiling at Heathrow Airport, speaking with British Paralympian Karen Hill and another female Paralympian in wheelchairs, with an airplane in the background.

Dutch wheelchair basketball star Mariska Beijer

Paralympics: Alpine skiing

An American swimming legend

Wheelchair curling

Paralympics: Biathlon

Designed for inclusion

Meet Australia's table tennis player Melissa Tapper and find out how she trains for the Paralympics

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Topics

2024 Paris Paralympics: Athletes to Watch Olympic Games disability Para Alpine skiing Para biathlon wheelchair curling Para cross-country skiing public games and contests Commonwealth Games X Games Canada Games Highland Games Special Olympics Pan American Sports Games Asian Games Maccabiah Games African Games

Key People

Sir Ludwig Guttmann stands smiling at Heathrow Airport, speaking with British Paralympian Karen Hill and another female Paralympian in wheelchairs, with an airplane in the background.

Ludwig Guttmann

English neurosurgeon

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames