Spotlight on 17 LGBTQ Paralympians to Follow at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, will undoubtedly serve as a remarkable tribute to athletic prowess and inclusivity. With the official competition commencing on August 29, an impressive gathering of over 4,400 athletes will vie for medals in 549 events across 22 different sports, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris’s iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Château de Versailles.
This article highlights 17 out LGBTQ Paralympians who are set to compete on this grand stage, showcasing their extraordinary talents and dedication. It is noteworthy that this list represents only a fraction of the estimated 36 out LGBTQ athletes who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Games, and further names may emerge as the Games draw closer.
**Alana Maldonado (Brazil – Para Judo)**: Alana Maldonado, a 29-year-old visually impaired judoka, has made significant strides in Para Judo. She won a silver medal in the 70 kg category at the Rio 2016 Games and a gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Maldonado seeks to defend her title in Paris on September 6th in the Women -70 kg J2 Quarterfinals.
**Brenda Osnaya (Mexico – Para Triathlon)**: Brenda Osnaya Alvarez overcame a life-altering car accident that left her with a broken spine. Her journey in Para Triathlon began as part of her rehabilitation, and she has since emerged as a leading name in the sport throughout Mexico and Central America. She will aim for her first podium finish at the Paris 2024 Games.
**Cindy Ouellet (Canada – Wheelchair Basketball)**: A standout player on Canada’s national wheelchair basketball team, Cindy Ouellet boasts experience from four Paralympic Games and five Parapan American Games. Following her impressive performances, viewers will be keen to see her in action against China on August 29th.
**Courtney Ryan (United States – Wheelchair Basketball)**: A member of the United States wheelchair basketball team, Courtney Ryan contributed to their 2020 bronze medal victory. Viewers can catch her and her team face Germany in the preliminary round on August 30th.
**Débora Menezes (Brazil – Para Taekwondo)**: At 34, Débora Bezerra de Menezes has made her mark in Para Taekwondo, earning a silver medal in the women’s +58 kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She will be competing again in Paris, continuing her quest for excellence.
**Emma Wiggs, MBE (Great Britain – Para Canoe)**: As a five-time world champion and gold medalist from the Rio 2016 Games, Emma Clare Wiggs, MBE has successfully transitioned from teaching to elite athletics after overcoming a severe health challenge. Her advocacy efforts for diversity in adaptive sports complement her impressive competitive achievements.
**Hailey Danz (United States – Para Triathlon)**: Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12, Hailey Danz chose to have her leg amputated to pursue an active life. As a two-time Paralympic medalist, she will look to add to her accolades on September 1st.
**Kate O’Brien (Canada – Para Cycling)**: After transitioning from a career in bobsleigh, Kate O’Brien quickly excelled in Para Cycling, winning medals in competitions despite facing significant health challenges. Her journey reflects resilience and determination.
**Katie-George Dunlevy (Ireland – Para Cycling)**: A dominant force in Para Cycling, Katie-George Dunlevy has secured medals in every major international competition since 2014. Her partnership with pilot Eve McCrystal has brought her remarkable success on the world stage.
**Lauren Rowles, MBE (Great Britain – Para Rowing)**: As a two-time Paralympic champion, Lauren Rowles has used her success to advocate for LGBTQ representation in sports. She is poised to compete for her third gold medal in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls at the Paris Games.
**Laurie Williams (Great Britain – Wheelchair Basketball)**: A dedicated mother and teammate, Laurie Williams has made significant contributions to her sport since her Paralympic debut in 2012. Her multifaceted life adds depth to her competitive spirit.
**Lucy Robinson (Great Britain – Wheelchair Basketball)**: Transitioning from junior football to wheelchair basketball following an injury, Lucy Robinson has seen rapid growth in her athletic career, earning numerous national titles.
**Lucy Shuker (Great Britain – Wheelchair Tennis)**: A seasoned competitor, Lucy Shuker has achieved notable success in international wheelchair tennis, including multiple medals from the Paralympic Games. Her extensive experience shapes her ongoing pursuit of excellence.
**Nikki Ayers (Australia – Para Rowing)**: After transitioning from rugby due to injury, Nikki Ayers has quickly ascended in rowing, achieving commendable results at international competitions and representing LGBTQ advocacy at the Games.
**Robyn Love (Great Britain – Wheelchair Basketball)**: Engaged to teammate Laurie Williams, Robyn Love’s journey in wheelchair basketball has seen her earn multiple international accolades while managing a fulfilling personal life.
**Tara Llanes (Canada – Wheelchair Basketball)**: From professional mountain biking to wheelchair basketball, Tara Llanes showcases versatility and determination as she competes in her second Paralympic Games.
**Valentina Petrillo (Italy – Para Athletics)**: As the first out transgender athlete to participate in the Paralympic Games, Valentina Petrillo’s journey as a visually impaired sprinter represents a significant milestone for trans representation in sports. Her historic participation will be a highlight of the Games.
In conclusion, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will not only celebrate athletic achievements but also the valiant spirits and stories of these remarkable LGBTQ athletes. As the world watches, their presence will inspire a new generation of athletes and advocate for greater inclusivity and representation in sports.
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