28 August will mark the start of a Paralympic event that promises to be historic, driven by relentless digitalisation and the progress that accompanies the adaptation and accessibility of sport. In essence, a whirlwind of emotions and feats will unfold in the French capital, showcasing the world's top athletes in a display of courage.

In this arena of high hopes and attainable dreams, fans will be challenged to keep their focus on the stars poised to dazzle. As the renowned French historian and founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, once said, "The Olympic spirit is the essence of sport and human perfection."

With this parade of sporting heroes, the Paris 2024 Paralympics are set to deliver moments that will be etched into memory, and following these icons will be an experience of profound impact. In the crucible of competition, each athlete has the potential to offer a story that redefines the meaning of greatness.

Teresa Perales

To begin with, it would be a disservice to the Paralympic world not to highlight the name of Spanish swimmer Teresa Perales. Throughout her career, the Aragonese athlete has amassed an impressive total of 27 medals. The 48-year-old icon arrives in Paris with the ambitious goal of matching the 28 medals won by the most decorated Olympic athlete in history, Michael Phelps.

Currently tied with the retired Daniel Dias in the pantheon of swimming, Perales has the chance to surpass Phelp's record, as she will compete in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events. Regarding her potential to break this record, Teresa Perales has confessed, “I will definitely try with all my soul.” For her, difficulty is a mere challenge to be conquered, reflecting her persistent nature. She has even hinted at continuing until Los Angeles 2028 if she does not meet or exceed this milestone, as she recently stated.

David Smith

It’s impossible to mention ‘boccia’ without conjuring up the name ‘David Smith’. The British athlete has secured a medal in every Paralympic event he has entered, including three golds. Furthermore, Smith is known for his charisma, often dyeing his hair a different colour for each Games he participates in.

Much like pétanque, boccia demands precision and skill. Played by athletes in wheelchairs, it has no equivalent in the Olympic Games. Despite being a relatively modern sport, introduced to the Paralympic programme in 1984, Smith has become an absolute legend. His relentless drive suggests he won’t be resting on his laurels but rather aiming to expand his impressive medal haul.

Sarah Storey

If we previously spoke of Perales as a veteran of the medal pantheon, Storey is no less formidable. With one more medal than the Spaniard, Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, boasting 28 medals in both swimming and cycling. Remarkable indeed.

At nearly 47, Storey arrives at the event as one of the major names to watch, with a fervent quest to secure her 30th medal. Her unyielding passion is driven by the memorable roar of the crowd, something she missed in Tokyo. Moreover, her slightly older children will now have the chance to see their mother continue to etch her legend on the streets of Paris.

Omara Durand

In the Paralympics, Cuban athlete Omara Durand is virtually undefeated. Like King Midas, everything she touches turns to gold. With a total of eight medals from her four appearances, her performance is truly exceptional, placing her firmly in the 'elite' category.

The 32-year-old Caribbean athlete, who has a visual impairment, specialises in the 100m and 400m in para athletics. She aims to achieve a hat-trick in Paris by winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m for the third consecutive time in her career.

Diede de Groot

The link between the young Dutch player and glory is recent but as strong as her powerful backhand strokes. The Dutch wheelchair tennis player boasts an impressive record at just 27 years old: six titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and Wimbledon; five ‘Musketeers’ Cups at Roland Garros; and two Paralympic golds in both singles and doubles at Tokyo.

With 23 singles titles, the world number one has established a dominating presence in the women's circuit, making her the most decorated wheelchair tennis player in history. Given she’s only in her late twenties, her dominance is likely to extend for years to come. Paris is the next stop where she will continue to add to her trophy collection.

Ryley Batt

The 35-year-old veteran is a symbol of Australian wheelchair rugby prowess. Featured as a key figure in the 2020 Netflix documentary 'Rising Phoenix', Ryley Batt has twice been crowned Paralympic champion with Australia (2012, 2016). He has also won two world championships and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014. Undoubtedly, a career to be proud of.

However, his excellence extends beyond the field. As decisive in his statements as he is in play, Batt recently revealed, “I never thought for a second that I was different.” With unwavering ambition, the emblem of the Australian Steelers believes he has lived a better life “than many people with legs” and is determined to repeat his success after missing the podium in Tokyo 2020.

Marcel Hug

At nearly forty, Marcel Hug is certainly a giant in wheelchair racing and a visual definition of ‘effort’. With six Paralympic titles and a total of 12 medals, Hug stands at the pinnacle of para-athletics. His dominance was on full display in Paris last year, where he clinched three world titles in the 800m, 1500m, and 5000m.

This supremacy can be attributed to Switzerland as a whole, with his compatriots Catherine DeBrunner and Manuela Schaer also shining. But Hug’s record also includes twelve victories in Major Marathons between 2016 and 2019. A total predator, he is sure to be the focal point of attention.