From making wheelchair tennis history to winning five gold medals at Santiago 2023, this year was full of sporting feats that will be remembered for years to come!
This year was full of athletic feats and memorable moments. Para athletes from around the world put on an impressive show at four regional Games and many qualifying events that took place throughout the year. As the new year begins, let’s look back at some of the most memorable moments from 2023.
Tokito Oda makes wheelchair tennis history
Seventeen-year-old Tokito Oda won back-to-back Grand Slam titles this year. The Japanese sensation defeated three-time Paralympic medallist Alfie Hewett singles tournament at the French Open in June. The following month, he became the youngest man ever to win a Wimbledon singles title in any discipline. In June, Oda also became the world No. 1 in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles rankings, seven years after he took up the sport.
Zakia Khudadadi claims emotional victory at Rotterdam 2023
Zakia Khudadadi, who fled Afghanistan in 2021, took a gold medal in Para taekwondo at the European Para Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She competed in Rotterdam as a refugee team athlete, but shared the joy with members of the French team with whom she trains together in Paris, where she currently resides.
Khudadadi left Afghanistan just a week before the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games took place, thanks to a global support of several individuals, organisations and governments. She competed at Tokyo 2020, where she became Afghanistan’s first female Paralympian since Athens 2004.
Maxcel Amo Manu becomes king of blade runners
Maxcel Amo Manu impressed on the track at the Paris 23 Para Athletics World Championships in July, winning the men’s 100m and 200m T64 events in his debut. In the 100m final, the Italian sprinter came from behind to finish ahead of a star-packed field that included Paralympic medallists in his class.
Para archer Sheetal Devi shoots to stardom
India’s Sheetal Devi shot to stardom this year. Devi, who was born without arms, holds the bow with her foot when she competes. Less than two years since she took up the sport, the young star won a silver medal at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in July, and topped the podium in the women’s individual compound open at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games in October.
Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge sees growth in women’s sport
The second edition of the Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Challenge was held in Green Bay, USA, from 31 August to 3 September. A total of 69 athletes representing four teams – USA, Canada, Great Britain and Team World – showcased the growth of the sport. There was also all-women officiating staff. Team World was made up of athletes from 11 countries, more countries than the inaugural edition in 2022.
Team USA won the tournament with a perfect record for the second straight year. The Women’s World Challenge serves as a stepping stone toward a Women’s World Championships in 2025.