Paris Games 2024: Why the Paralympics Should Matter to All of Us
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Sara Butler
Inspiration. Motivation. Excellence. These are words that come to mind when people think about the Olympic Games, but what about the Paralympic Games?
The Paralympics in Paris may not get as much fanfare as the Olympics, but they are just as important for different reasons. These games have had a lasting legacy of change, helping to bring attention to public policies and proposals that help to improve accessibility and opportunities for those who are disabled. They also celebrate athletes who train just as hard, are just as excellent, and are just as skilled as any Olympian.
The Joint Chiropractic believes in supporting the health, happiness, and dreams of everyone, no matter their physical impairments or abilities. This is why the Paralympics should matter to every person and why it’s vital to shine a spotlight on these games.
After all, each of us is one accident away from a disability.
In fact, two-time Championship Auto Racing Teams champion Alex Zanardi lost both his legs—one at the knee and one above it—in an oval crash in 2001 just days after 9/11, the first U.S. sporting event after the tragedy. Zanardi went on to compete in handy cycling at the London Paralympic Games in 2012, where he won two golds and a silver, and gold and silver at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Talk show host David Letterman, a race team owner, interviewed Zanardi on his show after the London Games. “You don’t have legs,” Letterman told Zanardi, “ but you're certainly not handicapped."
It’s a message that resonates throughout the Olympic village.
What are the Paralympics and how do they differ from the Olympics?
The Paralympics is a major international multi-sport event. They involve athletes with a range of physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities. The Paralympics are held immediately following the Olympic Games in the same host city and venues.
The Paralympic Games officially started in 1960 in Rome. They were organized as an event for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. In the games today, athletes are classified according to their specific disabilities to keep competition fair. The classifications of Paralympic athletes include physical disabilities such as amputations or spinal cord injuries, intellectual impairments, and visual disabilities.
The Paralympics feature a variety of sports adapted for athletes with disabilities. These include events such as swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, para-cycling, and many others. Some sports are unique to the Paralympics, such as goalball and boccia.
The biggest difference between the Olympics and the Paralympics is the classification system used for athletes. In the Olympics, athletes compete against other athletes of the same weight category, gender, and age in each sport. In the Paralympics, athletes are classified based on the disability category they fall under and the severity of that disability. This ensures athletes compete against those with similar ability levels.
In the Paralympics, just as in the Olympics, many countries are represented. Both games have open and closing ceremonies, parades, and the lighting of a symbolic flame. And rest assured that medals are given, including gold medals.
Common misconceptions about the abilities of Paralympians
There are several common misconceptions about the abilities of Paralympians. These are often rooted in a lack of awareness or understanding of the nature of disabilities and the high level of athleticism required to compete at the Paralympic level. Talking about these misconceptions is important to recognize the successes and skills of Paralympic athletes.
Misconception No. 1: Paralympians are not as competitive as Olympians
Paralympic athletes are often perceived as less competitive or less serious about their sport compared to the Olympic athletes who are their counterparts.
In reality, Paralympians are elite athletes who train rigorously, often at the same level of intensity and dedication as Olympians. They compete at the highest international levels and possess remarkable skill, strength, and determination.
Misconception No. 2: Paralympians are “inspirational” rather than “athletes”
There is a tendency to label Paralympians as inspirational solely because of their disabilities rather than acknowledging their athletic achievements.
While many Paralympians have inspirational stories, they are, first and foremost, elite athletes who achieve remarkable performances. They should be recognized for their athletic skills, hard work, and accomplishments in their respective sports.
Misconception No. 3: Paralympic sports are simplified versions of Olympic sports
It should be recognized that Paralympic sports are highly competitive and can be equally, if not more, demanding than the Olympic version. Adaptations are made to accommodate different disabilities, but the level of skill, strategy, and physical exertion required is extremely high.
Misconception No. 4: Assistive devices give Paralympians an unfair advantage
Some believe that the use of prosthetics, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices gives Paralympians an unfair advantage over athletes without disabilities.
Assistive devices are designed to level the playing field and allow athletes to compete effectively, given their impairments. The International Paralympic Committee has strict regulations to ensure that these devices do not provide an unfair advantage.
Misconception No. 5: Paralympians compete against each other because they can’t compete with Olympians
There is a belief that Paralympians compete separately because they can't compete with Olympians.
Paralympians compete in their events to ensure fair competition among athletes with similar functional abilities. This allows for a more equitable and competitive environment tailored to their specific needs.
Why the Paralympics should matter to everyone
People consider the Olympics the pinnacle of human athletic achievement. While Olympic athletes are excellent, some specific aspects of the Paralympics and the athletes who compete in them make them games that everyone should be aware of. They also deserve to be promoted due to the values championed.
Representation - The Paralympics showcase athletes with a wide range of disabilities, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusion in sports and society.
Breaking Stereotypes - The Paralympics challenge and break down stereotypes and misconceptions about disabilities, demonstrating that people with disabilities can achieve extraordinary feats.
Role Models - Paralympians serve as role models, showing that determination, hard work, and perseverance can lead to exceptional achievements, regardless of physical or intellectual challenges.
Motivation - The stories of Paralympians can motivate and inspire people of all abilities to pursue their goals and dreams, fostering a mindset of resilience and perseverance.
Awareness - The Paralympics raise awareness about the capabilities and contributions of people with disabilities, promoting greater understanding and empathy.
Advocacy - The visibility of the Paralympics helps advocate for better accessibility, equality, and inclusion in various aspects of life, from education to employment to public infrastructure.
Community and Connection - The Paralympics bring people together, from all over the world, fostering a sense of global community and connection through shared experiences and the love of sport.
Empathy and Understanding - Exposure to the Paralympics helps cultivate empathy and understanding, encouraging people to see beyond disabilities and recognize the commonalities we all share.
Policy Changes - The visibility and success of the Paralympics can influence policymakers to improve legislation and policies related to accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion.
Equity in Sports - Supporting and valuing the Paralympics contributes to the broader movement toward equity in sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities receive the same recognition and celebration as their non-disabled peers.
How principles of training and recovery used by Paralympians can be applied to everyone
The principles of training and recovery used by Paralympians can be applied to everyone. They can help to improve fitness, performance, and overall well-being. These principles emphasize discipline, adaptability, and a holistic approach to health.
Paralympic athletes, just like any other elite athletes, follow specific training regimens. These include things such as goal setting, tailored workouts, consistent training, commitment, focus on rest and recovery, proper sleep, a balanced diet, and proper hydration.
Paralympic athletes also challenge themselves with diverse workouts that test them and help them to avoid overuse injuries. They track their performance and use feedback to adjust their training plans.
Just as with other athletes, community and support are also important to Paralympic athletes. They have support systems in teammates, coaches, and healthcare professionals. These support groups help motivate them and hold them accountable as they work toward their goals.
These are all things athletes at any level could benefit from working into their training programs.
Is chiropractic treatment different for disabled people?
Chiropractic care can be tailored to meet the specific needs of disabled individuals, recognizing that each person may require different approaches based on their unique conditions and physical capabilities. While the core principles of chiropractic care—such as types of chiropractic adjustments, manual spinal manipulation, and holistic health—remain the same, the application can differ. But rest assured, the central nervous system is still the star in chiropractic treatment, no matter a person’s level of disability.
The Paralympics are special. If you’ve never watched them before, then make this year the first and tune in to them in Paris starting on August 28, 2024.
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.