Turkish athletes set record with 28 Paralympic medals

By Erkan Tiryaki

Turkish sports celebrated an extraordinary year in 2024, particularly in parasports, as national athletes secured an outstanding 561 medals in international competitions.

According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as of December 2024, Turkish athletes with physical, visual, and hearing impairments, along with special athletes, achieved exceptional success globally, bringing home 561 medals.

This impressive medal count includes 182 gold, 208 silver, and 171 bronze awards from various international events.

- Türkiye makes history in Paralympic achievements

Türkiye reached a historic milestone at the Paralympic Games, recognized as the world’s second-largest sports event, by delivering exceptional performances on the global stage.

While the country had won only one medal in disabled sports internationally in 2002, it amassed an impressive total of 5,666 medals over the subsequent 22 years.

At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Turkish athletes achieved a groundbreaking feat by winning 28 medals across 10 disciplines, marking a historic moment for the nation.

The medal haul consisted of six gold, 10 silver, and 12 bronze awards, securing Türkiye 23rd place overall—its best-ever ranking in Paralympic history.

Prior to 2002, Türkiye had not won any Paralympic medals. However, since the Athens 2004 Games, the country has made remarkable strides, collecting 66 Paralympic medals over the last two decades.

*Writing by Emre Asikci