Why I Don't Want London to Be the Best Paralympics Ever.

Posted 1 months ago

Baroness Grey-Thompson, an 11-time Paralympic gold medalist for Great Britain who competed in every Summer Games from 1988 to 2004, will join the Radio 5 Live team in Paris and contribute to BBC Sport during the Games.

As the Olympic flame was extinguished, Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet declared, 'the return match is now,' signaling the start of the next phase of the Games.

The inclusion of Paralympians in the final torch lighting at the Olympic closing ceremony subtly emphasized that the Paralympics are just beginning.

Paris faces high expectations as a Paralympic host, especially after London 2012 set a new standard. Paris aims to build on that legacy. While London was exceptional, I hope it becomes one of the best, not the best, Paralympics.

Rio 2016 faced significant financial hurdles, but a last-minute push filled venues and dubbed it the 'People's Games.' Tokyo 2020, delayed by Covid, had no live spectators, apart from some team members and volunteers.

Now, in the French capital, we're looking forward to spectacular venues, thrilling competition, an athlete-centered opening ceremony, and hopefully good weather. The excitement for the next two weeks is palpable.