Celebrating Paralympic Success in Paris and Preparing for LA2028

As we reflect on the incredible performances from ParalympicsGB in Paris, there is a palpable sense of pride and admiration for our athletes who have once again demonstrated the very best of British sport. Following on from a record-breaking Olympic Games, our Paralympians have truly showcased the power of our "winning and winning well" approach. The competition over the past 11 days has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with moments of sheer brilliance, grit, and determination.

Celebrating Exceptional Performances in Paris

This is the first cycle since we launched our new strategy which puts winning well at the heart of everything we do, and the results here in Paris have shown that British athletes will continue to succeed on the biggest stage under this approach.

With our athletes winning 124 medals across 18 sports, Great Britain has continued its tradition of excelling in a wide variety of sports, reinforcing our status as a global powerhouse in Paralympic sport. We have not only retained second place in the medal table for the third consecutive Games but also surpassed the 100-medal mark for the fifth consecutive Games. This is a testament to the incredible depth and breadth of talent within our Paralympic community and the value we place on supporting and investing in our athletes. Huge credit for this should go to the unsung heroes, the coaches and support staff working with the athletes at their national governing bodies, day in day out over the four-year cycle.

And with this support behind them and friends and family cheering from the stands, our athletes have delivered comebacks, breakthroughs, and inspirational performances that have captured the imagination of millions. From the track, where Sammi Kinghorn credited her success, winning five medals from five events, to “making sure I was the happiest person”, to the pool where Alice Tai took on the world following her amputation, setting a series of PBs and collecting five medals of her own.

We saw a record medal haul in triathlon and rowing; while the canoeists and track cyclists topped their sporting medal table, Dame Sarah Storey continued to dominate on the road in emphatic fashion. Stephen McGuire’s Boccia gold was a story of perseverance, winning his medal at the fourth time of asking. And as we look ahead to LA2028, the future is bright with a crop of incredible teenagers, including Iona Winnifrith (13), Bly Twomey (14), Will Ellard (18) and Poppy Maskill (19) all returning home with medals.

Driving Positive Impact Beyond the Podium

Our athletes are more than just sports stars; they represent the best of Britain, both on and off the field. They are committed to using their platforms to create positive social impact, and next week, we will see this in action through the ChangeMakers initiative. Over 100 athletes have signed up to go out into their communities, volunteering and supporting causes that matter to them. From accessible swimming lessons for children with disabilities to initiatives that promote mental health, sustainability, and inclusion, our athletes are leading the way in driving change.

The next edition of our Powered by Purpose programme will empower even more of our athletes to use their success as a springboard for long-term positive impact. As role models from Paris, they now become a pioneering group, supported by The National Lottery, to continue making a difference in society.

The Importance of Sustained Investment

Our achievements in Paris were made possible by sustained public investment in Olympic and Paralympic sport. The certainty of a four-year funding cycle has given our athletes the security to focus on their development and peak at the right time. It has allowed us to hire the very best coaches, invest in cutting-edge technology, and create an environment where success is nurtured and achieved. This commitment provides us with a significant performance advantage, enabling sports to plan effectively over a full cycle and to deliver wider social benefits to our communities.

But as we celebrate our success, there is no room for complacency. The road to the LA2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be challenging. Our biggest competitors, including Australia, the USA, and France, are investing more heavily than ever before. The competition has never been fiercer, and the margins for success are increasingly fine. Preparation for LA2028 starts now, and we are determined to build on our success in Paris by continuing to push boundaries, innovate, and invest in our athletes.

Looking Ahead to LA2028

The journey to LA2028 will be tough. The Games will bring unique challenges, from time zone differences to increased competition and rising costs. Despite this, I have every confidence in our athletes and the wider Olympic and Paralympic community. We have the talent, the passion, and the commitment to thrive on the world stage once again.

The preparations begin now, and with continued investment from the government and The National Lottery alongside the support of the British public, I am confident that we will rise to the occasion, showcasing once more that British sport is about more than just winning – it’s about winning well, making a difference, and inspiring future generations.