Greater Manchester’s paralympians chase gold in Paris

Manchester, our city known for its grit, legendary football teams, and iconic music scene, is also becoming a powerhouse of paralympic excellence.

As the world turns its attention to Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, Greater Manchester’s athletes are prepared to shine on the global stage.

From cycling and swimming to taekwondo and wheelchair basketball, Manchester’s Paralympic hopefuls are chasing gold.

Their achievements reflect not only their own talent and determination but also the dedication of the coaches, clubs, and world-class facilities that have supported their journeys.

The National Cycling Centre and the National Taekwondo Centre are just two examples of Manchester’s dedication to nurturing elite athletes.

Many of these competitors, though not all originally from the city, have made Manchester their home where they train and sharpen their skills.

Stockport – UK’s Paralympian capital

Stockport, a proud part of Greater Manchester, has emerged as the UK’s ‘Paralympic Capital.

With an astonishing 29 Paralympic medals to its name, Stockport boasts standout athletes like Andrew Small MBE, who took gold in the T33 100m at the Tokyo Games, and Ben Watson MBE, who claimed double gold in cycling.

The North West leads the nation in Paralympic success, with a remarkable total of 148 medals.

As our athletes head to Paris, we’ve compiled a list of local stars to watch, so you can cheer them on as they strive for glory on the world stage.

Paralympians from Greater Manchester at Paris 2024

Dame Sarah Storey – Track Cycling

When it comes to British Paralympic legends, Dame Sarah Storey stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Competing in her ninth Paralympics, Storey is the most decorated British Paralympian of all time, with a staggering 28 medals, including 17 golds in both swimming and cycling.

As she gears up for Paris, this powerhouse from Poynton continues to inspire, not just with her athletic prowess but also in her role as Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, where she advocates for a healthier and more active region.

Poppy Maskill – Swimming

Named the ‘Emerging Para-Swimmer of the Year’ in 2022, Poppy Maskill has rapidly established herself as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Her performance at the Manchester 2023 World Championships, where she claimed medals in all five of her events, including gold in the Mixed S14 4x100m Freestyle Relay, cements her status as a Paris podium hopeful.

And at Paris 2024, she was the first from team GB to secure a gold medal. She won the S14 100m women’s butterfly. Go Poppy!!

Cameron Vearncombe – Swimming

Cameron Vearncombe, an S14 swimmer, is making waves with his impressive performances.

After securing two multi-classification bronze medals at the 2024 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships and a trio of medals at the Aberdeen World Series event, Vearncombe is ready to make his mark in Paris.

Laurie Williams – Wheelchair Basketball

A force to be reckoned with on the court, Laurie Williams is no stranger to Paralympic pressure.

The Altrincham native, known for her speed, agility, and leadership, is set to propel the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team towards glory in Paris.

Williams’ experience and determination have made her a key player, and she’s ready to lead her team to victory.

Ellie Challis (Swimming)

Ellie Challis is a rising star in the pool, with her sights firmly set on gold.

After winning silver in Tokyo and double gold at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, the determined swimmer is ready to make waves in Paris. Her tenacity and talent make her a strong contender for the top of the podium.

Greg Warburton – Wheelchair Basketball

From Leigh, Greg Warburton has been a stalwart of the Great Britain men’s wheelchair basketball team.

With exceptional ball-handling skills and a keen court vision, Warburton is eager to claim Paralympic gold in Paris.

His contributions to the team have been vital, and Manchester’s basketball fans will be cheering him on as he takes on the world.

At the age of 19, he won a bronze medal with Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, so he’s no stranger to the biggest stage.

Grace Harvey – Swimming

Grace Harvey has been a consistent performer on the international stage, with notable successes in recent years.

Studying at the University of Manchester, the silver medallist in the SB5 100m Breaststroke at the Tokyo Paralympics and world champion in Madeira in 2022, Harvey’s determination and talent will make her a formidable presence in the pool as she races for gold in Paris.

Gemma Collis – Wheelchair Fencing

A leading figure in GB wheelchair fencing, Gemma Collis is focused on winning medals at the Paris Paralympics.

Known for her skill and determination, Collis has consistently delivered top performances in international competitions, and Paris is set to be her next triumph.

Matt Bush – Taekwondo

Matt Bush, a powerhouse in Paralympic Taekwondo, is no stranger to success.

As Britain’s first male para taekwondo athlete to win World Championship gold, Bush has continued to build on his accomplishments, including a gold at the 2023 World Championships.

With his eyes set on Paris, Bush is determined to bring home gold.

Beth Munro – Taekwondo

Beth Munro made a sensational entrance to Paralympic taekwondo by winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Since then, Munro has been on a mission to turn that silver into gold. Known for her resilience and dedication, she’s ready to battle it out on the Paris stage.

Amy Truesdale – Taekwondo

A four-time European champion, Amy Truesdale is one of Britain’s top Paralympic taekwondo athletes. After winning bronze in Tokyo, Truesdale is aiming to improve her standing and secure gold in Paris, adding to her impressive medal collection.

As these “Made in Manchester” athletes prepare for the Games, one thing is certain: Manchester’s sporting spirit will be alive in the Parisian arenas, driving them to victory.

Go out there and show the world what Manchester is made of.

Bring home the glory and let the city’s pride echo across the globe!

Best of luck to all of the paralmypians at Paris!