One year on: Paris 2024 Paralympic medallists share memories, lessons and hopes for future athletes
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were more than just a competition – they were a celebration of courage, resilience, and the limitless power of the human spirit.
These Games reflected years of hardships and sacrifice, triumphs over prejudice, and the breaking down of barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
Tears of joy mixed with cheers of disbelief as 140 archers representing a record 47 National Paralympic Committees delivered extraordinary performances at the Esplanade des Invalides – some competing without arms or limbs – proving that determination knows no limits.
One year later, the legacy of the Games continues to live on through four athletes in particular: USA’s Matt Stutzman, India’s Sheetal Devi and Harvinder Singh and Türkiye’s Oznur Cure Girdi. Their thoughts, actions, and performances on and off the field have made them more than champions – they have become role models.
To the next generation of players, they send a powerful message: no challenge is too great when met with resilience, dedication, and belief.
China may have collected the greatest number of gold medals, but it was USA’s Matt Stutzman – the armless archer – who stole the show, finally winning the Paralympic gold in Paris.
He claimed the compound men’s title last summer, 12 years after making his Paralympic debut and finishing second at London 2012.
Matt Stutzman’s global popularity – built on his pioneering technique of shooting a bow with his feet – has inspired countless lives around the world, including India’s 17-year-old armless archer, Sheetal Devi.
A first-time Paralympian, Devi had already captured hearts with her achievements at such a young age. Reflecting on her debut in Paris, she said that stepping onto the field for her very first match was the memory she would cherish most.
“The energy of the crowd, the support of my team, and the feeling of representing India on such a big stage was truly exhilarating,” said Devi, who won compound mixed team bronze for India with seasoned archer Rakesh Kumar. “Winning my medal was an incredible feeling, but it's the memories of the Paralympic experience that I'll cherish forever.”
The duo set a new Paralympic and world record in the mixed team event with a combined score of 1399.
In the individual qualifying, Devi also started strongly, challenging eventual winner Oznur Cure Girdi as they together broke the 700-barrier for the first time in history. But the Indian teenager couldn’t sustain the momentum until the end, faltering in the second round.
The pressure of the Paralympics is unlike any other competition, and Devi admitted that it was “unique”, while adding that adapting to the conditions in Paris was challenging.
“The biggest challenge was probably mental – staying calm and focused under such intense scrutiny.”
The promising star also had a piece of advice for the youngsters.
“Believe in yourself and work hard towards your goals. Most importantly, enjoy the journey – the highs and lows – because it's the journey that shapes you into a stronger athlete and person.”
Devi’s teammate Harvinder Singh added a new chapter to India’s journey at Paris 2024.
Having already etched his name in history with a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 – India’s first-ever Paralympic archery medal – Singh went one step further in Paris, claiming the recurve men’s individual gold medal to become India’s first Olympic or Paralympic champion in archery.
Singh’s journey is certainly one of hope and pride, a reminder of what dedication can achieve.
Sharing his experiences of the Games, Singh said the Paris Olympics played an important role in shaping his gold medal-winning performance.
With archery being more a mental sport, he explained how visualising himself at the venue was a key part of his preparation.
“For me, it’s always an advantage to watch the Olympic Games and imagine myself playing at the venue – to feel how the pressure will be, how the heartbeat will be, the atmosphere, the crowd etc. The half an hour before the match also helps to prepare the mind to shoot in the finals. To prepare the mind is the best preparation for a competition.”
Singh feels privileged to be part of the world’s biggest sporting stage – something he first came across in his Class XII textbooks and later nurtured as a dream after watching the London 2012 Olympics.
His best memory from Paris 2024 was the last set in the recurve men’s final against Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek.
“The most memorable moment from Paris was the final set and the final shot – I’ve watched it so many times as many people shared the video. I had the feeling I was going to win – but I had to stay in the moment, not let my emotions take over. I stayed calm until the end.”
Known for his calm and composed nature, Singh believes the mental side of sport is the key to success at the Paralympics.
“On match day, a lot depends on your thoughts, your mood, even the first person you talk to, and how settled your mind is. Staying mentally strong will always be the key to success.”
Meanwhile, Cure Girdi produced a dream performance in Paris – topping the compound women’s qualification with a world record on her way to win her first Paralympic gold.
Her title followed Türkiye’s Olympic men’s team bronze medal at the Invalides a month earlier.
The 26-year-old had already experienced Paralympics pressure, having claimed a mixed team silver medal at Tokyo 2020 – her first Games – but she admitted the pressure is “inevitable”.
It was her grit and determination that saw her overcome every kind of pressure and challenge at the greatest sporting event.
“Everyone competing at that moment just had one dream – to be on the top of the most important sporting event in the world. And I was one of them,” she said.
“When I held the last arrow in my hand in the final, I knew that if I shot it the way I wanted, I would win the gold medal. I had to stay calm and make the shot precise. It was both a very difficult and, at the same time, an easy moment to handle. I believe I overcame it through effort, perseverance, and determination. With that final shot, I knew the gold medal was mine.”
Beyond the medal, Cure’s victory has made her more than just a champion on the archery field – it has given her a voice for the disabled. She has become a strong advocate for people with disabilities, determined to inspire others to dream bigger.
“I have always wanted to raise awareness. I am very proud that this achievement allows me to do so. Disability is not an obstacle to living life the way we wish. Yes, there are difficulties, but we must never lose our determination to overcome them.”
“If my success helps someone who feels hopeless to rise and try again, then that is the true victory for me,” concluded the Turkish archer.
