The Guardian view on the Paris Paralympics: a return to the spirit of London 2012 | Editorial

A vibrant, well-attended Games showcased the best of parasport. But the challenges outside the sporting arena remain the same

The size of the crowds, the brio of the marketing and the enhanced profile of star athletes made London 2012 a breakthrough moment in Paralympic history. Since then, it has been a slightly rockier ride. Poor ticket sales and financial problems overshadowed the lead-up to Rio in 2016. Tokyo, delayed to 2021, was a behindclosed-doors affair, blighted by Covid.

A lot, therefore, was riding on Paris 2024. And in multiple ways, Paris has brilliantly delivered. As the Games come to a close this weekend, the aggregate attendance could surpass 2.5 million - not far from the record set in London. The crowds have been passionate, and whenever a French athlete was in the running for a medal, fiercely partisan. Just as during the hugely successful Olympics, the French capital has provided a sumptuous, charismatic backdrop to thrilling sporting competition throughout the city.