Paris 2024: Para Athletics Stars Share Their Excitement as the Games Approach
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are set to showcase the best in Para athletics, featuring 1,134 athletes from 151 National Paralympic Committees competing in 164 medal events at the Stade de France .
The impressive lineup included Germany’s long jump legend Markus Rehm, USA sprinter Hunter Woodhall, Moroccan thrower Youssra Karim, and Brazilian sprinter Jerusa Geber, accompanied by her guide Gabriel Garcia.
Rehm, a four-time Paralympic champion, is focused on defending his titles in Paris but acknowledges the challenges ahead. “Definitely the gold medal. I’ve won four of them—three in long jump, one in the relay—so I hope to defend my title. Achieving a world record here is a significant goal. The competition is getting tougher, with two American athletes aiming to challenge me, making it an exciting prospect,” said the 36-year-old T64 long jumper who holds nine World Championships titles.
Describing his Paralympic journey as remarkable, Rehm expressed that winning his fourth gold medal would be ‘incredible,’ highlighting the extensive preparation he has undertaken.
Incredible Venue
Woodhall shared that he will approach the Games with no specific expectations, aiming to savor every moment at the Stade de France. “One thing we’re focusing on this year is not having expectations. The year has been incredible, with excellent training. I’ve taken many risks, relearned techniques, and run the best I ever have. I’m excited to enjoy the experience and be part of the incredible atmosphere at Paris 2024.”
The three-time Paralympic medallist T62 sprinter also praised the Stade de France, reflecting on the enthusiastic crowd he witnessed when his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, won the long jump gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “It is one of the most remarkable venues in the world, with an enthusiastic crowd and one of the best tracks ever laid. I’m sure there will be fast times,” he noted.
Elusive Gold
Geber, a seasoned Paralympic athlete with multiple medals and five world titles, aims to secure her first Paralympic gold in Paris. “My expectations are always high. This is my fifth Paralympic Games and the third consecutive time I arrive with the world’s best time. I’ve yet to win a gold medal—I have two silvers from London 2012 and two bronzes from Tokyo 2020. This is the medal I want most and haven’t achieved yet,” said the 42-year-old Brazilian.
Geber has been training with her guide, Dos Santos Garcia, an Olympian, since 2016. She emphasized their rigorous training to avoid mistakes, including practicing starts and minimizing communication during races.
Similarly, Karim is aiming for her first Paralympic gold in women’s shot put F41 after winning the world championship title in Kobe. “This is my third Paralympic Games. I won silver in Tokyo and gold at the world championships in Kobe. Now, I aim for gold in Paris and possibly a world record. I hope to see the Moroccan community in Paris supporting me and cheering me on.”
The Para athletics program kicks off on Friday, August 30. Follow all the action on the World Para Athletics channels on Instagram, Facebook, and X.