As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games get under way (28 August - 8 September), the world’s most exceptional athletes are set to showcase their incredible talents. Social media platforms like Instagram offer a unique glimpse into their journeys, from behind-the-scenes training to the highs and lows of competition. Here’s a guide to some of the top Paralympians to follow on Instagram during the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Oksana Masters (@oksanamasters) – USA, Multi-Sport Athlete



Oksana Masters is a force to be reckoned with. Having scooped medals in multiple sports, including rowing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and cycling, she is a true Paralympic legend. Her Instagram is a mix of training sessions, race-day snapshots, and powerful messages on resilience and self-belief. Masters has an incredible story of overcoming adversity, including being born with limb differences due to radiation exposure and facing life-changing surgeries. Follow her for a dose of motivation and athletic excellence. Follow her.

Bebe Vio (@bebe_vio) – Italy, Wheelchair Fencing



Bebe Vio is not only a Paralympic champion but also a global icon for the sport of wheelchair fencing. Known for her vibrant personality and energetic approach to life, Vio’s Instagram offers a glimpse into her preparation for competitions, her advocacy work, and her stylish adventures in her wider life outside the sport. After losing her arms and legs to meningitis at age 11, Vio has shown endless tenacity and grit, inspiring millions as she goes. Follow her.

Ellie Simmonds (@elliesimmonds) – Great Britain, Swimming



Ellie Simmonds is one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympians, having competed in four Paralympic Games and winning multiple gold medals. Although she retired from competitive swimming after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Simmonds remains an influential figure in the Paralympic community. Her Instagram is a blend of throwback highlights, insights into her post-athletic career, and updates on her work as an advocate for disability rights and inclusion. Follow her.

Markus Rehm (@markusrehm) – Germany, Track and Field



Known as the ‘Blade Jumper,’ Markus Rehm is a three-time Paralympic champion and the world record holder in the long jump for athletes with prostheses. His Instagram feed is packed with training clips, competition footage, and inspiring moments that show his relentless pursuit of excellence. Rehm’s goal of one day competing in the Olympics alongside able-bodied athletes highlights his commitment to breaking barriers in sports. Follow him.

Canoeist Curtis McGrath (@curtismcgrath) – Australia, Paracanoe



Curtis McGrath’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. A former soldier who lost both legs to an IED explosion in Afghanistan, McGrath turned this life-changing event into triumph by becoming a Paralympic gold medallist in paracanoe. His Instagram is a window into his intense training regimen, travel adventures, and moments with family and friends. McGrath’s resilience and sense of humour make him a must-follow in the lead-up to Paris 2024. Follow him.

Diede de Groot (@diededegroot) – Netherlands, Wheelchair Tennis



Diede de Groot is the undisputed queen of wheelchair tennis, holding multiple Grand Slam titles and Paralympic gold medals. Her Instagram is a mix of on-court action, travel snapshots, and glimpses into her life off the court. De Groot’s dominance in her sport and her down-to-earth personality have made her a firm fan favourite and a role model for aspiring athletes. Follow her.

Ntando Mahlangu (@ntandomahlangu) – South Africa, Track and Field



Ntando Mahlangu is one of the brightest stars in Paralympic athletics, having stunned the world with his performances in the 200m and long jump. Born with a congenital condition that led to a double amputation, Mahlangu took up running as a teenager and quickly rose to global prominence. His Instagram showcases his training routines, competition moments, and inspiring messages that highlight his journey from adversity to greatness. Follow him.

Sara Andrés Barrio (@saraandressport) – Spain, Track and Field



Sara Andrés Barrio is a Spanish sprinter and long jumper who has become known not just for her athletic achievements but also for her advocacy work and motivational speaking. Her Instagram offers a colourful mix of fitness content, behind-the-scenes training, and her work as an ambassador for body positivity and disability inclusion. Andrés Barrio’s infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook are evident in every post. Follow her.

Daniel Dias (@danieldias88) – Brazil, Swimming



Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias is one of the most successful Paralympians of all time, with a staggering number of Paralympic medals across multiple Games. His Instagram is full of motivational content, reflections on his journey, and insights into life after retiring from competitive swimming. Dias remains a powerful voice for athletes with disabilities, and his posts continue to inspire and uplift fans across the world.