The Paris Paralympics will take paracanoe to a whole new level and further consolidate its standing as one of the fastest growing and most popular para sports in the world.

This week marks 500 days until the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics, and the international paracanoe family is already gearing up for the biggest show on the planet.

Paracanoe made its Paralympic debut in Rio in 2016, with just six events and medals shared between eight countries. In Tokyo in 2021 there were nine events and medals shared between 12 countries. Importantly, there were now 28 countries represented, after 26 took part in Rio.

Next year in Paris gender parity will once again be achieved, with women’s VL3 added to the program.

ICF Paracanoe Committee Chair, John Edwards, said the 500 day milestone is a good reminder for athletes, coaches and fans that the Paralympics are fast approaching.

“The growing importance of our sport is reflected by the fact we are one of the key sports scheduled for the exciting final day of the Paralympics,” Mr Edwards said.

“We are also proud that three of the five paracanoe gold medals up for grabs on that final day will be in women’s events. We have seen so much growth in women’s paracanoe since the sport made its debut in Rio, and we will for sure make the most of our opportunity to showcase what an exciting global sport we have.

“Adding to the excitement, we will have a handful of athletes who will be attempting to create paracanoe history in Paris. This will be worth the price of admission on its own.”

Australia’s Curtis McGrath won gold in the men’s KL2 in Rio, followed up with double gold in KL2 and VL3 in Tokyo, and will be aiming for another double triumph in Paris. Ukraine’s Serhii Yemelianov and Great Britain’s Emma Wiggs will both be chasing gold at a third consecutive Paralympics.

Paracanoe will be contested on September 6, 7 and 8, with medals decided on the final two days. The full schedule can be found here.