Ten Famous Paralympic Athletes Making Waves On Social Media Ahead Of Paris 2024

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics brought with it a complete revamping of the way famous Paralympic athletes presented themselves. 

With the loosening of the official Paralympics social media guidelines, athletes were able to show off the inner workings of the games for the first time. Prior to this many Paralympians took to social media to raise awareness for their profession, this new wave of content had a more laid-back, often humorous feel. 

With the 2024 Paralympic games just around the corner, let’s take a peek at the famous Paralympic athletes causing a stir on social media. 

FAMOUS PARALYMPIC ATHLETES YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING AHEAD OF PARIS 2024

Hannah Cockroft – 13.5K

A 31 year old British wheelchair racer, Hannah Cockroft dedicates her social media presence to sharing insider, often inspirational, content with her followers. 

Her Instagram has a very traditional athletic feel; from videos of Cockroft training to snaps of her proudly holding up medals. Cockroft also hosts a successful podcast called The Paralympics GB podcast, where she interviews other famous Paralympic athletes to provide her audience with exclusive insights. 

Aurelie Rivard – 6.6 K

At first glance, Aurelie Rivard’s Instagram may seem like it belongs to any other 27-year-old Canadian girl, rather than one of the most famous Paralympic athletes in the world.

Her social media presence is largely dedicated to sharing picture-perfect moments, such as going out with friends and traveling the world. Spliced in with these jealousy-inducing pics, are shots of Rivard winning races and training. 

The combination of the two creates a genuine feel that has, thus far, been hugely popular with younger users. If you can get past the feed envy of course. 

Daniel Dias – 123K

Daniel Dias has taken a starkly different approach to his social media than what we have seen with other famous Paralympic athletes so far. 

Dias, a 35-year-old Brazilian Paralympic swimmer, uses his following to spread awareness about both his disability and his sport; swimming. Through his accounts, Dias aims to both educate his audience as well as inspire them. 

The champion swimmer has also taken to hosting lectures, sharing his experience and knowledge with as many people as possible. 

Liam Malone – 17.4K

Whilst Liam Malone retired from competing officially in 2018, the 29 year old former Paralympic sprinter has successfully managed to keep his position as one of the more famous Paralympic athletes.

The New Zealand native shares lifestyle, comedic and even tech news-based content with his following. His account is niche in this aspect; it provides a little slice of life after the Paralympics, which is rare on social media. 

Allysa Seely – 7.4K

If you’re looking for a famous Paralympic athlete’s  account that truly has it all, then Allysa Seely is your girl. 

This 34-year-old American Paratriathlete covers everything through her social media presence, from mental health advocacy to adorable golden retrievers. Through Seely’s account, we get a glimpse into the extreme dedication that her profession requires, as well as how she finds moments of fun in her busy life. 

Sophie Pascoe – 28K

Proudly known as New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian, 30 year old Sophie Pascoe’s talents go far beyond the pool. 

Pascoe’s social media presence has a ‘slice-of-life’ feel as she shares the little everyday moments all of us can relate to. Of course, splashed in there are images of her crushing it in the pool, but who can blame her. 

Much like many Paralympians, Pascoe uses her platform to spread awareness on topics close to her heart. From New Zealand surf life saving to disability education, Pascoe covers it all. 

Sophie Hahn – 3.5K

Making a name for herself on and off the track, Sophie Hahn is one of the many famous Paralympic athletes taking the social media world by storm. 

Hahn has taken to using her social media presence to raise awareness on Cerebral Palsy, and educated her followers on what living with this disability is like in reality. Beyond this, Hanh’s joyful disposition and happy-go-lucky attitude have allowed her to build up quite the dedicated following. 

Anastasia Pagonis – 365K

In her own language, Anastasia Pagonis’s goal is to change the way that we view visually impaired persons. 

Pagonis rejects the crazy routines and strict lifestyles that we associate with professional athletes, and instead shows how she is a real person much like us. Through her behind the scenes footage of what it’s like to travel blind, how to train for her sport, and general lifestyle, Pagonis engages in an authentic, two-way conversation with her followers; educating and entertaining us in the same breath. 

Justin Phongsavanh – 8.6 K

This 26-year-old American Paralympian is powering ahead as fast as his javelin. 

Justin Phongsavanh is the epitome of unstoppable and his social media presence reflects just this. Phongsavanh aims to use his platform as a means to educate the world on not only his disability and his life with it, but also his sport. 

To top it all off, he has a very adorable, hard-working service dog named Morgan, who he loves to show off. 

Stefanie Reid – 22.1K followers

Stephanie Reid takes the classic approach practiced by many famous Paralympic athletes on social media. 

The 39 year old track and field Paralympian shares all the juicy tidbits we are all dying to know, like what the breakfast is like in the Paralympic village, and showing off her kit for the games. Her account is the perfect option for all those nosey parkers out there – like us – who want to know all the scandalous details about life as a Paralympian. 

On top of this, Reid also dedicates time to raising awareness on her disability, as well as her sport.

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