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With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on our screens, the buzz and excitement is real — not just for the incredible athletic performances but also for the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of these extraordinary athletes.
Because ICYMI, TikTok has become a powerful platform for athletes to share their personal stories, training routines, and everyday moments, connecting with fans in ways never before possible. And we're here for it.
With over 42,000 #Paralympics videos on TikTok and the @paralympics account boasting over 4.4 million followers, it's clear that para-sports have found a dedicated audience on the platform.
As Geoff Quinlan, Executive Lead of Paralympics Australia, notes, "TikTok is a proven and powerful platform for our Para-athletes to share their personal stories and incredible determination with their fans."
Here are seven Australian Paralympians you should be following on TikTok as we count down to Paris 2024:
Vanessa Low (@vanessalow90)
@vanessalow90 Chasing dreams often means making tough choices, and as a mum and athlete, saying goodbye to my boys is undoubtedly the hardest. They’re not just my family; they’re my heart and my cheer squad, integral to every step of this journey. While it’s bittersweet to leave them behind, the excitement of representing our country in the green and gold fuels my spirit. I’m ready to make them proud and show them that every sacrifice is worth it. 💚💛✨ #MumAthlete #TeamGreenAndGold #ChaseYourDreams #FamilyFirst #AthleteLife #ProudMum #GoForGold ♬ Paradise - Bazzi
Long jump gold medalist Vanessa Low is not just defending her title in Paris; she's also using TikTok to break down misconceptions about living with a disability. As a new mother, Low shares insights into balancing motherhood with her athletic career, offering a multi-faceted view of life as a Paralympian.
Alexa Leary (@lexleary)
@lexleary SMASH THE DAY, BABY GAL 🩵🩵🩵 #fyp #slay #vibes @Keira ♬ original sound - ㅤleni
Swimmer Alexa Leary's journey to her Paralympic debut is a testament to her character. After a devastating cycling accident in 2021, Leary has made an incredible comeback, winning gold and silver at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships. Her account showcases her fun side, participating in TikTok trends alongside friends and family.
Rhiannon Clarke (@rhiannon.clarke_)
@rhiannon.clarke_ Made it to the Paralympic Village 🔥 Home for the next 2 weeks 🏠
♬ Taste - Sabrina Carpenter
Sprinter Rhiannon Clarke's TikTok offers a glimpse into the life of a student-athlete. Balancing intense training for the 100m and 400m events with her studies, Clarke's content is relatable and fun. Her emotional reaction to a hometown mural honouring her achievements has resonated with over 112,000 viewers.