The Paralympics are finally here — yes, everyone with the post-Olympics blues, there is even more sporting action to look forward to.
Since its launch in 1960, the Paralympics Games have championed inclusivity in sports and beyond for disabled people. But although we've come a long way in the past 60 years, there is still a long way to go. A new survey conducted by Plan International UK found that 28% of UK girls and young women with a disability never or rarely feel they fit in when playing sports, while 40% of disabled girls and young women in the UK always or sometimes feel unwelcome when watching sports with others.
“It’s deeply disappointing that disabled girls and young women still feel out of place in sports. While barriers exist for all girls, they are sadly higher for disabled girls — whether physical challenges, social barriers like prejudice and stereotyping, or a lack of accessible facilities and activities available," said Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Influencing and External Affairs at Plan International UK. “Every girl deserves an inclusive environment where they feel welcome, empowered and free to enjoy any sport they choose.”
Chapman calls for more inclusivity at UK sports facilities. “The government and providers should ensure local facilities are fully accessible,” she said.
The Paralympics is a major event that spreads awareness about the importance of funding and supporting disabled athletes in the UK — and it also helps to inspire and encourage young women to get involved. Although there is still a long way to go, this year's Paralympics is considered the most inclusive yet.
As Craig Spence, the Chief Brand & Communications Officer of the International Paralympic Committee, tells GLAMOUR, “It is likely to be 55% male vs. 45% female. Bearing in mind the first Paralympic Games were only in 1960, we are pleased to have reached this level but clearly have some work to do to achieve parity.”
And this year, Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis also makes history as the first deaf person to present sports live on TV.
Let's meet some inspiring women from Team GB heading to this year's Paralympics…
Amy Conroy, Basketball
Amy Conroy lost her left leg as a child to osteosarcoma. She soon discovered basketball. She won her first medal at the 2011 European Championships and went on to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. In Rio, she played on the British team that took home a bronze medal. After competing in Paris, Conroy plans to start her own business and work as a part-time model.
I’m impressed and a little scared.
Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan, Cycling
Lizzi Jordan is a paracyclist who will be heading to her first Paralympic Games in Paris alongside her pilot, Danni Khan. Jordan lost her sight after an infection left her in a two-month coma. Just a year and a half later, she took part in the 2019 London Marathon. After this, she was invited to train with British Cycling.
Alice Tai, Swimming
Alice Tai is a renowned swimmer with an impressive record, including medals from Paralympic, World, European, and Commonwealth events. She competed in five events at Rio 2016 and took home the gold in the Women’s 4x100m medley relay. Tai withdrew from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and later had her right leg amputated below the knee due to pain from Congenital Bilateral Talipes. She won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games that same year. Tai is also in a band called BLUSH!
Funmi Oduwaiye, Discus and Shot Put
Funmi Oduwaiye is a para-athlete competing in discus and shot put. Originally a basketball player, Oduwaiye began competing in para-athletics in 2022 after having multiple surgeries on her legs to correct knocked knees — one of these surgeries damaged an artery and left her paralysed in one leg from the knee down.
From Simone Biles to Nada Hafez.
Tully Kearney, Swimming
Tully Kearney is a ten-time world champion who specialises in swimming the 100m freestyle and the 200m. She made her Paralympic debut in Tokyo. She is also the founder of a children's swimming club in Loughborough.
Holly Arnold, Javelin
The undisputed 'Javelin Queen', Holly Arnold, is a six-time world champion in the F46 Javelin Paralympic debut in 2018 at the age of 14. At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, Arnold took home the gold medal but faced disappointment in Tokyo 20 when she fought for a hard-earned bronze. On reflection, she noted, “It’s made me stronger just being able to feel that pain and feel that hurt and turn it into something good.
“A happy Hollie is a dangerous Hollie – that’s when magical things can happen.”
Clare Taggart, Boccia
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In Rio 2016, Clare Taggart made history as the first woman from Northern Ireland to compete in Boccia at the Paralympic Games. For the uninitiated, Boccia is a Paralympic sport (with no Olympic counterpart) in which athletes “throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court with the aim of getting closest to a 'jack' ball”. Clare is currently ranked number one in the world, and will be looking to cement her status with a gold medal in Paris.
Rachel Choong (Para badminton)
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Rachel Choong has only won the Para Badminton World Championships ten times, so I guess you could say she's pretty good. Add nine European titles, and you have a bonified gold medal favourite. Shockingly, this is Rachel's first Paralympics after she missed out in Rio when her SH6 category (for ‘short-stature’ athletes) wasn't included as an event. Thankfully, the SH6 category will have singles and mixed doubles events in Paris. Her time is now.
