History of Paralympic Games in Timeline

The Paralympic Games are international multi-sport events for athletes with disabilities, held shortly after the corresponding Olympic Games. Governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), there are both Winter and Summer Paralympic Games.

1904: George Eyser competed at the Olympic Games

In 1904, German-American gymnast George Eyser, who had one artificial leg, became the first athlete with a disability to compete at the Olympic Games.

1920: The same rituals as the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp

As mandated by the Paralympic Charter, various elements frame the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games and were shared with the Olympic Games that were established in 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp.

1924: The Deaflympics held since 1924

The Deaflympics, exclusive for deaf athletes, have been held since 1924.

1928: Olivér Halassy competed at the Olympic Games

In 1928, Hungarian amputee water polo player Olivér Halassy competed in the Olympic Games.

1939: Ludwig Guttmann fled Nazi Germany

In 1939, Ludwig Guttmann fled Nazi Germany with the help of the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics (CARA).

1943: Lis Hartel contracted polio

In 1943, Danish equestrian athlete Lis Hartel contracted polio.

1948: Károly Takács competed in shooting events at the Summer Olympics

In 1948, Hungarian Károly Takács, a right-arm amputee, competed in shooting events at the Summer Olympics.

1948: Paralympics began as a small gathering

In 1948, the Paralympics started as a small gathering of British World War II veterans.

1948: The first athletic event for athletes with disabilities coincided with the Olympic Games

In 1948, the first organized athletic event for athletes with disabilities took place on the opening day of the Summer Olympics in London, hosted by Ludwig Guttmann as the 1948 International Wheelchair Games.

1952: Dutch and Israeli veterans took part alongside the British

In 1952, Dutch and Israeli veterans participated alongside the British, making it the first international competition of its kind.

1952: Károly Takács and Lis Hartel competed at the Summer Olympics

In 1952, Hungarian Károly Takács competed in shooting events, and Danish equestrian athlete Lis Hartel, who had contracted polio in 1943, won a silver medal in dressage at the Summer Olympics.

1960: The 9th annual games took place in Rome

In 1960, the 9th annual games took place in Rome, coinciding with the 1960 Summer Olympics, and were later designated as the 1st Paralympic Games.

1960: Games in Rome drew 400 athletes

In 1960, the Games held in Rome attracted 400 athletes with disabilities from 23 countries, as proposed by doctor Antonio Maglio.

1960: First official Paralympic Games held in Rome

In 1960, the first official Paralympic Games, also the ninth Stoke Mandeville Games, were held in Rome, with 400 athletes from 23 countries competing.

1960: 400 athletes in Rome

In 1960, there were 400 athletes participating in the Summer Paralympic Games held in Rome.

1960: Nations enter the stadium alphabetically

Since the 1960 Summer Paralympics, the nations enter the stadium alphabetically according to the host country's or region official language, though with the host country's athletes being the last to enter.

1976: Athletes with different disabilities were included for the first time

In 1976, athletes with different disabilities were included for the first time at a Summer Paralympics, expanding the Games to 1,600 athletes from 40 countries.

1976: Television broadcasts of Paralympic Games begin

In 1976, television broadcasts of Paralympic Games began, but early coverage was limited to tape-delayed broadcasts to one nation or region.

1976: First Winter Paralympic Games held

In 1976, the first Winter Paralympic Games were held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, marking the first Paralympics with multiple categories of athletes with disabilities.

1980: Trischa Zorn's Paralympic Debut and Olympic Team Alternate

In 1980, Trischa Zorn began her 24-year Paralympic career and was selected as an alternate for the American Olympic swim team, though she did not participate in the Olympics due to a boycott.

1984: Neroli Fairhall Competes in Olympics and Wins Paralympic Gold

In 1984, Neroli Fairhall became the first paraplegic competitor in the Olympic Games, placing thirty-fourth in archery, and also won a Paralympic gold medal in the same event.

1984: Neroli Fairhall competes at the Olympic Games

In 1984, Neroli Fairhall, a Paralympic archer from New Zealand, set a precedent by competing at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

1984: Olympics experience tremendous growth in global media coverage

Since the 1984 Summer Paralympics, the Olympic Games experienced tremendous growth in global media coverage.

1988: Ragnhild Myklebust's Paralympic Debut

In 1988, Ragnhild Myklebust began her Winter Paralympic Games career.

1988: Paralympic Games held after the Summer Olympics in Seoul

In 1988, the Summer Paralympic Games were held in Seoul, South Korea, shortly after the Summer Olympics, setting a precedent for future games.

1988: Summer Paralympics held in Seoul

In 1988, the Summer Paralympics were held in Seoul directly after the Summer Olympics, in the same host city, and using the majority of the venues.

1988: National flag of the country hosting the next games is hoisted

Since the 1988 Winter Paralympics, the national flag of the country hosting the next Summer or Winter Paralympic Games is hoisted during the closing ceremony.

1988: Paralympic term came into official use

The Summer Games of 1988 held in Seoul was the first time the term Paralympic came into official use.

1989: IPC established cooperative relationship with the IOC

Since its creation in 1989, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has maintained a cooperative relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

1992: Limited Live Coverage of Summer Paralympics

At the 1992 Summer Paralympics, there were 45 hours of live coverage, but it was available only in Europe. Other countries broadcast highlight packages during the Games.

1992: Winter Games celebrated every four years

In 1992, the Winter Games were celebrated every four years on the same year as their summer counterpart.

1992: Winter Paralympics used different competition venues

In 1992, the Winter Paralympics used different competition venues than those used for the Olympic Games, despite being held in the same region.

1992: Networks are paid to televise Games

Networks were paid to televise the 1992 Summer Paralympic Games

1992: People with intellectual disabilities participate in the Paralympic Games

Since 1992, people with intellectual disabilities have participated in the Paralympic Games.

1992: Paralympics supported by major sponsors

Starting at the 1992 Summer Paralympics, games have been supported by major sponsors, with sponsor logos displayed inside arenas and on uniforms, unlike the Olympics.

1994: Winter Paralympics and Winter Olympics held in separate years

Beginning with the 1994 Games, the Winter Paralympics and the Winter Olympics have been held in those even-numbered years separate from the Summer Olympics.

1994: Winter Paralympics used the same venues

In 1994, the Winter Paralympics were the first Winter Games to use the same venues and had the same Organizing Committee as the Winter Olympics.

March 1996: "Hymne de l'Avenir" adopted as the official anthem

In March 1996, "Hymne de l'Avenir" or "Anthem of the Future", composed by Thierry Darnis, was adopted as the official Paralympic anthem.

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1996: Precedent set in 1988 followed

In 1996, the precedent set in 1988 was followed where the Paralympic Summer Games were held directly after the Summer Olympics.

1996: Networks are paid to televise Games

Networks were paid to televise the 1996 Summer Paralympic Games

2000: Spanish basketball player alleges that several members of the gold medal-winning Spanish basketball team with intellectual disabilities (ID) did not have disabilities

After the 2000 Sydney games, a Spanish basketball player alleged that several members of the gold medal-winning Spanish basketball team with intellectual disabilities (ID) did not have disabilities. He claimed that only two athletes out of the twelve-member team met the qualifications of an athlete with an intellectual disability.

2000: Ten powerlifters and one track athlete banned for steroid use

At the 2000 Games, ten powerlifters and one track athlete were banned for steroid use.

2000: Precedent set in 1988 followed

In 2000, the precedent set in 1988 was followed where the Paralympic Summer Games were held directly after the Summer Olympics.

2000: Meaningful improvements in coverage occur at Summer Paralympics in Sydney

No meaningful improvements in television coverage of the Paralympic Games occurred until the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney.

2000: Significant increase in global media exposure for the Paralympic Games

The 2000 Paralympics marked a significant increase in global media exposure for the Paralympic Games, reaching an estimated global audience of 300 million people. Organizers did not have to pay networks to televise the Games.

June 2001: IOC and IPC signed an agreement

In June 2001, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed an agreement to ensure that the staging of the Paralympic Games is automatically included in the bid for the Olympic Games.

2001: Agreement between IPC and IOC formalized

In 2001, an agreement between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formalized.

2002: Thomas Oelsner tests positive for steroids

In 2002, German skier Thomas Oelsner became the first Winter Paralympian to test positive for steroids, leading to his medals being stripped.

2002: Ragnhild Myklebust's Retirement

In 2002, Ragnhild Myklebust retired from the Winter Paralympic Games after winning five gold medals, totaling 22 medals (17 gold) between 1988 and 2002.

2002: SLOC chose to follow the practice of "one bid, one city"

In 2002, the Salt Lake 2002 Organizing Committee (SLOC) chose to follow the practice of "one bid, one city", with one Organizing Committee for both Games.

2003: Agreement between IOC and IPC was adjusted

In 2003, the agreement between IOC and IPC signed in June 2001, was adjusted.

2003: Motto and symbol of the IPC were changed

In 2003, the motto and symbol of the IPC were changed to their current versions, conveying a spirit of competition and forward movement.

2003: IPC works with WADA to ensure compliance

Since 2003, the IPC has been working with WADA to ensure compliance with WADA's anti-doping code among its Paralympic athletes.

2004: End of Trischa Zorn's Paralympic Career

In 2004, Trischa Zorn concluded her Paralympic career, having won a total of 55 medals, including 41 gold, over 24 years.

2004: Practice of "one bid, one city" was followed

In 2004, the practice of "one bid, one city" from the 2002 Salt Lake Games was followed up by the Summer Games in Athens.

June 2006: Agreement between IOC and IPC extended

In June 2006, the agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was extended after some troubles at the 2006 Winter Paralympics.

2007: Efforts to make Sochi more accessible

Since 2007, Russian Federation organizers of the 2014 Winter Paralympic Games made efforts to make the host city Sochi more accessible.

2008: Ban on ID competitions lifted

After work had been done to tighten the criteria and controls governing admission of athletes with intellectual disabilities, the ban on ID competitions was lifted after the 2008 Games.

2008: Athletes banned for steroid use at Beijing Games

At the 2008 Games in Beijing, three powerlifters and a German basketball player were banned after testing positive for banned substances.

2008: Chief Executive Officer for the International Paralympic Committee Xavier Gonzalez comments on the Summer Paralympics

Chief Executive Officer for the International Paralympic Committee Xavier Gonzalez comments about the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China.

2008: Oscar Pistorius attempts to qualify for the Summer Olympics and wins gold medals at the Summer Paralympics

In 2008, Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprinter with both legs amputated below the knee, attempted to qualify for the Summer Olympics but missed qualifying by 0.70 seconds. He then qualified for the 2008 Summer Paralympics, where he won gold medals in the 100, 200, and 400 meter sprints.

2008: Increased ratings for Summer Paralympics

In 2008, The Summer Paralympics was watched by 23% of the population of Great Britain.

2008: Agreement was set to take effect at the 2008 Paralympic Summer Games

In 2008, the agreement between IOC and IPC was set to take effect at the Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing.

2010: UBC study shows increased accessibility and willingness to hire people with disabilities

A 2010 study by the University of British Columbia (UBC) on the Olympic Games Impact (OGI) showed that the 2010 Paralympic and Olympic Games in Vancouver led to increased accessibility of buildings and public spaces. 23 percent of employers said the Games had increased their willingness to hire people with disabilities.

2010: Glenn Ikonen tests positive for banned substance

At the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver, Swedish curler Glenn Ikonen tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for six months.

2010: Russian Paralympic team topped the medal table at the Winter Paralympics

In 2010 in Vancouver, the Russian Paralympic team topped the medal table at the Winter Paralympics.

2010: Minimal BBC coverage of 2010 Winter Paralympics sparks criticism

In 2010, the BBC faced criticism for its minimal coverage of the Winter Paralympics compared to the Winter Olympics, citing budget constraints and the "time zone factor." In contrast, NRK in Norway broadcast 30 hours of the Games live and criticized the TV production quality.

2010: Agreement was set to take effect at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

In 2010, the agreement between IOC and IPC was set to take effect at the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

2011: Pistorius qualifies for the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2011, Oscar Pistorius qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2012: Sighted guides and goalkeepers become eligible to receive medals

Beginning in 2012, sighted guides for athletes with visual impairments, along with sighted goalkeepers in 5-a-side football, became eligible to receive medals of their own.

2012: Channel 4 assumes television rights

In 2012, Channel 4 assumed the television rights for the Summer Paralympics in the UK, promising major increases in coverage.

2012: Pistorius competes at the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, Oscar Pistorius competed in two events at the Summer Olympics: he reached the semi-final in the 400 metres race, and his team finished 8th in the final of the 4 × 400 metres relay race. Criticism arose regarding fairness for athletes with different prosthetic leg placements due to track direction.

2012: Sebastian Coe spoke about the 2012 Summer Paralympics and Olympics in London

In 2012, Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee, stated the goal to change public attitudes towards disability, celebrate the excellence of Paralympic sport, and integrate the two Games.

2012: ID competitions anticipated at Summer Paralympics

In 2012, four sports, swimming, athletics, table tennis and rowing, were anticipated to hold competitions for ID athletes at the Summer Paralympics.

2012: Paralympic movement prohibits unauthorised advertising

In 2012, the Paralympic movement, as part of its prohibition on unauthorised advertising, began requiring any tattoo of the Olympic rings to be covered during competition, based on the Olympics being a third-party organisation.

2012: Agreement initially agreed to remain in effect until the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, the agreement between IOC and IPC was initially agreed to remain in effect until the Summer Olympics.

2012: Paralympic flame incorporates a "heritage flame" lit at Stoke Mandeville

Since 2012, the Paralympic flame has incorporated a "heritage flame" lit at Stoke Mandeville.

2014: Russia hosted the Winter Paralympic Games

In 2014, Russia hosted the Winter Paralympic Games for the first time.

2014: Evidence of prevalent doping by Russian athletes at 2014 Winter Paralympics

The IPC found evidence that the prevalent doping by Russian athletes was in operation at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi.

August 2016: Russian team banned from 2016 Summer Paralympics

On August 7, 2016, the IPC banned the entire Russian team from the 2016 Summer Paralympics due to the Russian Paralympic Committee's inability to enforce anti-doping codes.

2016: Channel 4 wins Cannes Lions award

In 2016, Channel 4's trailer for the Paralympics, "We're the Superhumans," received a Grand Prix award at Cannes Lions.

2016: Coverage limited to 16 sports

In 2016, coverage at the Summer Paralympics was limited to 16 sports.

2016: 4,342 athletes in Rio de Janeiro

In 2016, the number of athletes participating in the Summer Paralympic Games increased to 4,342 athletes from 159 countries in Rio de Janeiro.

March 2018: IOC and the IPC agreed to further extend the contract to the 2032 Summer Olympics

On March 10, 2018, the IOC and the IPC agreed to further extend the contract to the 2032 Summer Olympics.

March 2018: Contract between the IOC and the IPC extended to 2032

On March 10, 2018, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) extended their contract to 2032.

January 2020: Paralympics classified as Category A listed event by Ofcom

In January 2020, the Paralympics were classified as a Category A "listed" event by Ofcom, mandating free-to-air broadcast.

2020: The succeeding hosts of the Olympic Games will enter immediately before the current host

Beginning with the 2020 Summer Paralympics, the succeeding hosts of the respective Olympic Games (summer or winter) will enter immediately before the current host in descending order.

2020: Russian athletes compete under neutral flag at Tokyo Paralympics

In 2020, Russian athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral flag in the Tokyo Paralympics.

2020: Coverage increased to 19 sports

In 2020, coverage at the Summer Paralympics increased to 19 sports.

2020: Summer Paralympics featuring 4,520 athletes

In 2020, the Summer Paralympics featured 4,520 athletes from 163 National Paralympic Committees.

2020: Postponement of the 2020 Summer Paralympics

In 2020, the Summer Paralympics were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first postponement in the history of the Paralympic Games. The games were still called the 2020 Summer Paralympics.

2020: Agreement was extended to encompass all Summer and Winter games

In 2020, the agreement between IOC and IPC was extended to encompass all Summer and Winter games.

2020: Agreement between IPC and IOC extended

In 2020, the agreement between the IPC and IOC was extended.

2020: Current Paralympic flag is used

In 2020, the current Paralympic flag, containing three Agitos, began to be used.

2020: Paralympic rights deals made last minute

In comparison to 2024, many rights deals were made "last minute" for the 2020 Summer Paralympics

September 2021: 2020 Summer Paralympics held in September 2021

The 2020 Summer Paralympics took place from 24 August to 5 September 2021, after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022: Russia and Belarus excluded from Paralympics

In 2022, Russia and Belarus were fully excluded from the Paralympics after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

June 2023: Interest in Paralympics improves among broadcasters

In June 2023, IPC executives noted improving interest in the Paralympics among broadcasters, with 75% of the world covered by rights deals for the 2024 Summer Paralympics well in advance.

2024: Future Paralympic torch relays will officially begin in Stoke Mandeville

Beginning in 2024, future Paralympic torch relays will officially start in Stoke Mandeville.

2024: Channel 4 reports coverage of Summer Paralympics was seen by a total audience of 20 million

Channel 4 reported that its coverage of the 2024 Summer Paralympics was seen by a total audience of 20 million, with the channel achieving its highest viewer share since the 2012 Paralympics.

2024: All Summer Paralympic sports televised for the first time

In 2024, all 22 Summer Paralympic sports were televised for the first time.

2024: Rights deals for Summer Paralympics covers 75% of the world

In 2024, interest in the Paralympics had been improving among broadcasters, citing that it had already reached rights deals for the 2024 Summer Paralympics covering 75% of the world over a year in advance.