Visually impaired athletes at the Paralympics are allowed a guide during competition. Many people are wondering if they’re also awarded medals for winning.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Paralympics are underway in Paris and athletes are competing in many of the same sports we saw during the Summer Olympics, including rowing, swimming and of course, track and field.Â
Visually impaired athletes are allowed a guide. These guides also compete, assisting athletes during the events. Many people have been asking if the guides also get medals when their athletes finish on the podium.Â
THE QUESTIONÂ
If a visually impaired athlete wins a medal, do their guides also get a medal?Â
THE ANSWERÂ
Yes, athletes’ guides will get a medal if they win in track and field, para-triathlon, and para-cycling.
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OUR SOURCE
WHAT WE FOUND
The first official Paralympics took place in Rome in 1960.
Originally the games were reserved only for wheelchair athletes, but in 1976 it was expanded to include competitors with other forms of disabilities. That includes vision impairment.
Athletes competing in track and field who are visually impaired are allowed to choose to run with or without a guide.
According to the Paralympics, athletes’ guides will get a medal if they win in track and field, para-triathlon, and para-cycling.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
