Celebrating Our Paralympians: Grit and Glory in Paris

The Paralympics are always a spectacular display of athleticism and excellence! I couldn't be more excited to be back in Paris to cheer on our Paralympics Australia athletes! As someone who has lived and breathed the Olympic spirit, it’s an absolute honour to witness, in person, this global competition that epitomises what sport is all about – inclusion, resilience, defying the odds, and going after your goal with relentless determination.

I had the privilege of celebrating our Paralympians at the welcome event hosted by the Australian Embassy, alongside our incredible team co-captains Curtis McGrath and Angie Ballard, and our Opening Ceremony flag bearers Brenden Hall and Madison de Rozario.

Curtis, who is a personal friend of mine and someone I deeply admire, has an incredible story that he shares in his book Blood, Sweat, and Steel. Curtis and his story continue to inspire me; it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m thrilled to support Curtis not just as an athlete, but also as a friend and a colleague at Deloitte.

 

One conversation that struck me at the welcome event was with Madison de Rozario, who is preparing to compete in the gruelling T54 marathon this Sunday, 8 September; one of the final events to close out these epic Games. Madi mentioned how she’s been training on Paris' famous cobblestoned streets to prepare for the challenging final kilometres of her race – uphill and on uneven terrain. It will be incredibly tough, and it’s a perfect example of the grit and determination that define the Paralympic spirit.

The Paralympics Australia #ImagineWhatWeCanDo campaign is another highlight of these Games. Their emphasis on athletes competing, rather than just participating, serves as a powerful reminder that these Games are about more than just sport – they’re about challenging perceptions and proving that ability, not disability, defines these athletes.

 

 

As we look toward Brisbane 2032, I’m taking notes on how Paris is embracing the Paralympics. The lessons we learn here will be invaluable as we strive to host the most inclusive and accessible Games yet. As International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons beautifully stated during the Opening Ceremony, "We are gathered in the city of light... to open the Paralympic Games, where sport is not only a way of life, but a way to show that nothing is impossible."

The world is watching, and I’m confident that Brisbane 2032 will inspire future generations, just as these athletes are inspiring us today.

Let’s keep the support going for our incredible Aussie Paralympians in Paris!