Paris 2024 is set to transition its spotlight from the Olympics to the Paralympics, which is scheduled later this month, and Canada finds itself enveloped in an unprecedented atmosphere of anticipation. Fresh from the nation’s one of the most successful Olympic campaigns in history, they bagged 27 medals.
They now march forward with 216 athletes to the Paralympics; these exceptional competitors are primed to redefine the boundaries of Paralympic achievement. In the hope that Paris could stretch its luck further for the Canadian team, they would compete in 18 categories.
Having grown both in size and popularity, the Paralympic Games have become a cornerstone event that captures millions of hearts. With 87 Paralympians and 39 debuting athletes, the Maple Red Parade is expected to surpass the 21 medals they accumulated at the Tokyo Olympics and maintain their top position. A dedicated team of 117 coaches and National Sport Organization (NSO) support staff would accompany the athletes throughout the event. 
The Paralympics arrives with dozens of hopes and expectations
A surprise birthday party is coming up for the oldest and youngest members of the team during the Paris Games on September 2. The oldest Paralympic team member is wheelchair fencer Ruth Sylvie Morel, who will turn 68 years old when she takes part in her 4th Paralympic Games, and the youngest member is the star Para swimmer Reid Maxwell, who will be turning 17 years old the same day.
With the track and pool games being Canada’s strength, several Canadian athletes are expected to make a huge impression in Paris. Brent Lakatos is known for his speed and versatility, while Aurélie Rivard’s history of hard-to-miss strokes would showcase their exemplary performance.
Legends on board for the Paris 2024 Olympics
With 26 medallists already on the team, many athletes are expected to make historical moments for the team shortly.
There will be four phenomenal players trying at their sixth Olympics, including Pat Anderson, who has three Paralympic gold medals (London 2012, Athens 2004, Sydney 2000) and a silver medal (Beijing 2008) in wheelchair basketball.
The five athletes returning to the event for their fifth appearance include Amy Burk (goalball), Bo Hedges (wheelchair basketball), Trevor Hirschfield (wheelchair rugby), Travis Murao (wheelchair rugby), and Katarina Roxon (para swimming).
Little Leaguers set to perform at Paris
There will be 39 players debuting at the Paris 2024 Olympics, so there will be a lot to look forward to.
The Canadian star Amanda Rummery, who missed out on competing at the Tokyo Olympics at arm’s length, would finally be competing in the Olympics. Ranked second in the world in her primary event, the women’s T47 400-meters, Rummery will most likely add another accolade to the Canadian record books.
Another star who missed the Tokyo quota in wheelchair rugby is Cody Fourine, who is set to make a big impact in other sports this time when he arrives. Switching from rugby to wheelchair racing, revealing his talent to the world. He is now ranked third in the world, so there’s much more to him than just saying.
Starting on the 28th of August, this Paralympics will be the first Summer Games ever to be held in the City of Light, and Canadians will not miss the opportunity to show their support in maple red on this monumental occasion.
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