As the 2024 Summer Paralympics draw to a close, athletes are leaving behind a string of broken records as they compete for the 549 gold medals up for grabs. Nearly 40 were broken across multiple sports in the first four days of the event alone.

After a parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees from the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the ceremony took place at the Place de la Concorde, with spectacular performances by French singers Christine and the Queens and Luc Bruyère, better known as Lucky Love.

Dancers showcased the beauty of Paralympic sports, old and new, with a nod to breaking – included in the Paris Olympics, but excluded from the Paralympics. And the performances highlighted the paradox of a world that claims to be inclusive, yet remains prejudiced against people with disabilities.

The Olympic flame has been relit and will remain above the Tuileries until the end of the Games.

The athletes’ colorful, fun and imaginative gear was the focus of the first days of competition.

Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Arc de Triomphe provide a stunning backdrop for the competition. This is the first time that the French capital has hosted the Summer Paralympics.

About 4,400 athletes compete in 22 sports, demonstrating their skill, efficiency…

…and joy.

History was made when Afghan taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi became the first refugee team to win a Paralympic medal. She practiced the sport in secret in her youth and was banned from competing after the rise of the Taliban in 2021.

And that’s what happened when Brazilian swimmer Gabrielzinho (right) made good on his promise to win three consecutive gold medals at the Games. He was nicknamed “Rocketman” by his fellow competitors.

On September 8, the Paralympic Games will come to an end as Paris hands over hosting duties to Los Angeles. The next Summer Paralympics will begin on August 15, 2028.