Paris 2024 Paralympics | Para swimming: in the heart of a beautiful atmosphere at Paris La Défense Arena

As the little sun we had today dipped below the Paris skyline, the Paris La Défense Arena was filled with light for the jam-packed evening ahead. It was the second night of the Para swimming finals, where some of the world’s most determined Para athletes had gathered to showcase their talents in the pool.

Despite their team kit and swim gear being a bit of a tell all, it wasn’t easy to determine who had been in the water, as half the audience sat in their wet clothes and ponchos having being drenched by the Parisian rain.

As the crowds grew it was clear that no amount of bad weather was going to dampen the good vibes in this modern architectural marvel. And with the cheers and collective energy of thousands of spectators bouncing off the water and walls, and Martin Solveig and Dragonette’s I Just Came to Say Hello booming out at top volume, all of the ingrediants were united for another beautiful night in the Paralympic pool.

Flags big and small fluttered in the stands, and conversations in countless languages blended into a vibrant hum. There was a sense of unity in the air, this wasn't just about the competition—it was a celebration of the extraordinary resilience and spirit of the Para athletes who had come here to make history.

As the Para swimmers took their marks, the atmosphere in the arena shifted slightly, becoming suddenly more intense. Then the chatter quietened down, replaced by focused anticipation as all eyes turned to the pool. Silence descended for the very first time of the evening.

The atmosphere in the Paris La Défense Arena is one of collective pride and inspiration

First up was the men's 100m Freestyle category S5. The crowd’s excitement reached fever pitch as the Para athletes plunged into the pool, and every stroke was accompanied by a chorus of gasps and cheers.

The audience applauded throughout the race, and then for a solid three minutes afterward – long enough to roll over into the beginning of the next final – the women’s 100m freestyle category S5.

Just as I thought the venue had reached full decibels, the men’s 200m individual medley category SM6, brought an entirely new level of excitement as China’s Yang Hong and Columbia’s Nelson Crispin Corzo fought for gold, neck and neck, for the entire race. With less than a second between them, Hong took the gold medal -- China’s sixth gold medal so far in these Paralympic Games.

There's no denying that the crowds have played a crucial role in events so far, and this doesn't take anything away from the competitors themselves. Support for all the athletes, whether they be French or not, has been magical. Sure, emotions were at a high point yesterday when Ugo Didier won his gold medal, but every single race has been emotional to witness and unbelievably heartwarming to be a part of.

The rythm was relentless and there was no time at all for spectators to catch their breath as medal ceremonies followed races, and races followed medal ceremonies, Every new national anthem brought with it a new set of emotions, and I was close to tears – or if I’m honest – all the way to tears, throughout the evening. There's no holding back when the emotions of these unique athletes and the spectators are combined.

This isn’t a case of ‘you had to be there’ to get it. I’m sure those who watched events unfold from their homes; at Paris fanzones; or on live blogs, all felt the same. Spectators at these Paralympics have a common understanding of the feelings that come with witnessing history in the making and a genuine sense of enlightenment.

The events were now coming thick and fast, accompanied by the same theme tune as before, but now embellished with rhythmic clapping from the audience and even the athletes themselves. And every new starting signal is accompanied by a unified cheer from the stands, pushing the Para athletes forward with their collective energy. The tension in the air is almost tangible as each swimmer glides through the water, their movements a powerful demonstration of skill, strength, and determination.

In the latter half of the evening, I suspect a few ear drums had already burst when Hector Danayer was presented with a silver medal for the men's 100m breaststroke category SB9, and Alex Portal received his bronze medal for the mens 100m backstroke category S13. Despite the insanely vibrant cheers for the men, the home crowd didn't limit their cheering to just French Para athletes. Every athlete was celebrated by everyone in the crowd.

As the evening drew to a close, the tension in the arena was replaced by a wave of jubilation and applause. The atmosphere in the Paris La Défense Arena is one of collective pride and inspiration. The athletes have not only competed at the highest level, but they have also inspired countless people with their resilience and determination. The fans, too, leave the arena with a sense of having witnessed something truly special—a celebration of human potential, where the limits of what is possible are reimagined and redefined.