As the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games kicks off in Paris this Wednesday, Poland is set to showcase its strength and determination with a team of 84 athletes.
The Polish representation, 41 women and 43 men will compete in 15 out of the 22 disciplines featured at this year’s Games. The event, running until September 8th, will see 4,400 athletes from 182 countries vying for 549 sets of medals.
Lucyna Kornobys and Maciej Lepiato, two of Poland’s most accomplished Paralympians, have been honored as the flag bearers for the team at the opening ceremony.
Kornobys, a two-time Paralympic silver medalist and world and European champion in shot put, has consistently proven her prowess on the global stage since 2011.
Lepiato, a high jumper and world record holder, has an impressive track record, having won medals at the last three Paralympic Games, including two golds.
Among the 84 Polish athletes, nine will compete with an assistant, pilot, or guide. The athletes will participate in a variety of disciplines, including the club throw, a unique event in which Róża Kozakowska will defend her world record (28.77 m).
The club throw, introduced at the 1960 Paralympics in Rome, is specifically designed for athletes with cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs. Kozakowska’s performance is highly anticipated, especially given the event’s storied history and its reinstatement into the women’s program at the 2012 London Games.
Polish athletes have a rich history of success in the Paralympic Games, having won a total of 798 medals since their debut at the 1972 Paralympics. At the previous Games in Tokyo, Poland secured 24 medals—seven gold, six silver, and 11 bronze—earning the nation a 17 place in the overall medal standings.
In recognition of their achievements, Polish Paralympians who reach the podium in Paris can expect financial rewards from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism.
The prizes will be equal to those awarded to their counterparts in the XXXIII Olympic Games. Additionally, medalists will receive scholarships for 24 months.
Flag Bearers Leading the Way
Lucyna Kornobys and Maciej Lepiato, two of Poland’s most accomplished Paralympians, have been honored as the flag bearers for the team at the opening ceremony.
Kornobys, a two-time Paralympic silver medalist and world and European champion in shot put, has consistently proven her prowess on the global stage since 2011.
Lepiato, a high jumper and world record holder, has an impressive track record, having won medals at the last three Paralympic Games, including two golds.
Poland’s Representation in the Games
Among the 84 Polish athletes, nine will compete with an assistant, pilot, or guide. The athletes will participate in a variety of disciplines, including the club throw, a unique event in which Róża Kozakowska will defend her world record (28.77 m).
The club throw, introduced at the 1960 Paralympics in Rome, is specifically designed for athletes with cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs. Kozakowska’s performance is highly anticipated, especially given the event’s storied history and its reinstatement into the women’s program at the 2012 London Games.
Poland’s Paralympic Legacy
Polish athletes have a rich history of success in the Paralympic Games, having won a total of 798 medals since their debut at the 1972 Paralympics. At the previous Games in Tokyo, Poland secured 24 medals—seven gold, six silver, and 11 bronze—earning the nation a 17 place in the overall medal standings.
Incentives for Success
In recognition of their achievements, Polish Paralympians who reach the podium in Paris can expect financial rewards from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism.
The prizes will be equal to those awarded to their counterparts in the XXXIII Olympic Games. Additionally, medalists will receive scholarships for 24 months.
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