Can Hollywood magic help transform the Paralympics into must-see TV in 2028?
Large crowds and record coverage have officials feeling bullish about next Games in four years
As a breakout star at the Paris Paralympics, Ezra Frech was thrilled about winning gold medals in the 100 metres and high jump, but the Los Angeles teenager was also hoping for a bigger sort of victory.
Large crowds and record television coverage have him feeling good about the past two weeks in France. It has him thinking about 2028 when the Games come to his hometown.
Hosting a Games in Tinseltown has will be “special opportunity for Paralympic sport”, according to the 19-year-old, who hopes to ride “this momentum” into 2028.
Other para athletes and officials share his sense of optimism. After decades of fighting for attention, they feel poised to emerge from the shadow of their older, more-glamorous sister, the Summer Olympics.
As Frech put it: “I feel like the Paralympics right now are where the women’s sports movement was maybe 15 years ago. We’re getting close to mainstream.”
The onus now falls on LA28 organisers to continue building on what Paris has achieved. An International Paralympic Committee executive sounded bullish.
