LGBTQ+ Paralympians Who Will Shape the Paris 2024 Games
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are poised to showcase an impressive array of LGBTQ+ athletes who are set to make significant contributions to this esteemed international sporting event. Following the conclusion of the recently held Olympic Games, audiences can anticipate the commencement of the Paralympics, which will air from August 28 to September 8, 2024. A remarkable total of 175 openly queer athletes participated in the Paris Olympics, with Team LGBTQ+ achieving a commendable medal tally of 43 and securing seventh place overall.
Among the celebrated athletes from Team LGBTQ+, there are notable figures who have established themselves as icons in the world of sports. As the upcoming Paralympics approach, an estimated 27 out LGBTQ+ athletes are expected to compete, with seven representatives confirmed from Team Great Britain.
Key athletes to look out for include:
1. **Emma Wiggs (Great Britain, Canoe)** – Emma Wiggs is an accomplished paracanoeist, having won gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and multiple medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games. In addition to her canoeing accolades, she has a history in sitting volleyball, having competed in London 2012.
2. **Valentina Petrillo (Italy, Track)** – Valentina Petrillo will make history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Paralympics, representing Italy in the women’s T12 200m and 400m events. She emphasizes the importance of her participation as a symbol of inclusion.
3. **Alana Maldonado (Brazil, Judo)** – A reigning champion, Alana Maldonado will be competing in her third Paralympics, following a gold medal in Tokyo 2020 and silver in Rio 2016. She has expressed a strong emotional connection to her achievements, dedicating her successes to her home nation.
4. **Lee Pearson (Great Britain, Equestrian)** – With an impressive 14 gold medals, Lee Pearson is recognized as an eminent figure in para-equestrian sports and was the first openly gay member of the British Paralympic team. He is known for his advocacy of love and acceptance in the community.
5. **Kate O’Brien (Canada, Cycling)** – Having transitioned from Olympic to Paralympic cycling after a training accident, Kate O’Brien won a silver medal in Tokyo. She reflects positively on her experience with the Paralympic team and embraces her new role as a mother.
6. **Robyn Love and Laurie Williams (Great Britain, Wheelchair Basketball)** – The engaged couple are teammates in the wheelchair basketball squad and are also new parents. Their shared journey in sports and family adds a special dimension to their participation in Paris.
7. **Lucy Shuker (Great Britain, Wheelchair Tennis)** – As one of the highest-ranked women in wheelchair tennis in Britain, Lucy Shuker has competed since 2008 and won a silver medal in Tokyo. She prefers not to label her sexuality but emphasizes love and acceptance.
8. **Hailey Danz (USA, Triathlon)** – After competing in two previous Paralympic events, Hailey Danz publicly came out on Team USA’s platform, expressing pride in her identity and its significance to her experiences.
9. **Katie-George Dunlevy (Ireland, Cycling)** – With an impressive record of five medals, Katie-George Dunlevy remains humble about her successes, emphasizing the fulfillment of personal goals.
10. **Lauren Rowles (Great Britain, Rowing)** – A Paralympic champion, Lauren Rowles will compete for the third time in Paris after overcoming significant personal difficulties and injuries.
11. **Bo Kramer (The Netherlands, Wheelchair Basketball)** – A formidable talent in wheelchair basketball, Bo Kramer advocates for the importance of discussing sexual orientation within the sports community.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a landmark event, not only for the sporting achievements of these remarkable athletes but also for the embodiment of diversity and inclusion in the world of sports. Broadcasting will be provided by Channel 4 and More 4 in the UK, further enhancing the accessibility of this prestigious event to a broad audience. The anticipation surrounding this event is not just for the competitions, but also for the stories of resilience and empowerment that these athletes will bring to the forefront.
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