The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, held from August 28 through September 8, have been a deeply moving experience for viewers around the world. Watching talented athletes embrace their disabilities and be the best of the best is a celebration of hope, commitment, and self-belief.
The games have also introduced us to a remarkable lineup of Black and brown women. Many are making history, earning first-ever medals for their countries, while others return to defend their rightful titles. From Folashade Oluwafemiayo powerlifting greatness to Brittni Mason running laps around her competitors, here are just some of the incredible athletes whose names we’ll never forget.
7 Black Women Shining at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Representing countries from the United States to Tunisia to Nigeria, here are some of the world’s most incredible athletes at this year’s Paralympic games stunning in true Black girl magic fashion.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo
39-year-old Nigerian para powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo has made Africa, as well as the rest of the world, incredibly proud. Defending her women’s over-86kg title and gold and silver medals while representing her country on a global stage, she embodies perseverance and resilience.
Mariam Eniola Bolaji
Another day, another historic win. When Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji defeated Oksana Kozyna in the women’s Para badminton SL3 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she made history as the first African player, male or female, to win a badminton medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Brittni Mason
Team USA sprinter Brittni Mason had already won her share of medals in 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, but that wasn’t going to stop her from coming back and shining again. Winning gold in the mixed 4×100 meter relay and silver in the 100 and 200-meter last go-round, she’s certainly got her eye on the prize this year, too.
Femita Ayanbeku
Haitian and Nigerian-American sprinter Femita Ayanbeku has worn a prosthetic leg since losing the bottom half at age 11. Her tragic injury has certainly not kept her far from greatness, having competed in 2016, 2020 and now, the 2024 Games in Paris. The 32-year-old is already a world bronze medalist and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
Raoua Tlili
Known as Tunisia’s “throwing queen,” Raoua Tlili is the greatest discus thrower and shot-putter to represent the North African country.
“The message I send to Tunisian women, Arab women, and women in general is to believe in their abilities and potential, and to try to turn weakness into strength, no matter the field they excel in,” the 39-year-old said reflecting of her historic athletic performance.
Nicky Nieves
Rocking blonde goddess braids, Nicky Nieves is not only bringing greatness to 2024 Paris Paralympic volleyball games— she’s bringing fashion and style, too! The middle blocker withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Games due to illness but is ready to come back and reclaim her title.
Breanna Clark
Coming off a 9th-place win at the 2024 World Championships and taking home gold medals at the Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro games in the Women’s 400m T20, 29-year-old Breanna Clark has consistently left the world in awe of her strength and power. Diagnosed with autism at age four, she only continues to smash records.