Paralympic Games: A Showcase of Elite Athletes and Determination

The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris have officially commenced, bringing together thousands of athletes with physical, intellectual, or visual impairments from around the world to compete for coveted medals. Ezra Frech, a California native competing in high jump, long jump, and sprinting events, is among the athletes representing the United States.

Frech, a gold medalist at last year's World Championships in Paris, expressed his pride in representing his country at the Paralympic Games. "I love the USA," Frech stated. "I'm grateful for all the opportunities this country has given me. I'm grateful to live in the best nation in the world, so I wear that red, white and blue, that USA across my chest with the utmost pride and representing everybody who has sacrificed for this country, and I look forward to making all of us proud."

Paralympic Games: A Showcase of Elite Athletes and Determination

With an estimated 2 million tickets sold for the Paralympics, the athletes will have the support of enthusiastic crowds. Frech believes this will further motivate the competitors, many of whom had to perform in empty venues during the Tokyo Games due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"What keeps me going is the people who believe in me," Frech said. "My family, my friends, my team, my coaches, my prosthetist, my chiropractors, my strength and conditioning coach, everybody involved in my journey. I truly believe my lack of commitment would be an insult to those who believe in me, so everything I do is to make them proud."

Paralympic Games: A Showcase of Elite Athletes and Determination

The Paralympic Games will feature 22 sports, including 20 Olympic equivalents. However, goalball and boccia are unique to the Paralympics. Frech emphasized that the Paralympics are not about pity but about showcasing elite athleticism.

"I would hope that the average American or average [viewer] recognizes how elite some of these sports are," Frech said. "People get confused and sometimes feel sorry for some of the athletes. There is no place for pity in the Paralympic Games. These are the best athletes on the planet. They just happen to have a physical disability."

Paralympic Games: A Showcase of Elite Athletes and Determination

"If you want to tune in and watch high, high, high-level sport, that’s what you tune in to watch the Paralympic Games for. It’s not a sob story, it’s not a pity party. These are the best athletes on the planet competing against one another. And that’s what I hope people take away from the Paralympics."

In addition to competing, Frech is a partner in the P&G Athletes for Good Fund, a joint venture between P&G, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Paralympic Committee. This initiative highlights athletes and para-athletes who make positive impacts in their communities while excelling in their sports.

The opening ceremony featured improved weather conditions compared to the rain-soaked Olympic opening ceremony. Accessibility was also a significant focus, with areas along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Concorde square equipped with asphalt strips for easy navigation.

Frech will also be featured in the documentary "Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution," a collaboration between Harder Than You Think Productions and P&G Studios. The film highlights the determination and resilience of athletes with disabilities.