June 13, 2024
Technogym for the Paralympic Games: celebrating athleticism and determination
Motivation, inspiration, and triumph unite in the profiles of Paralympic champions, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human potential and the power of sports.
Throughout the years, Technogym has been by the side of Paralympic athletes along their evolution path, which nowadays reached unprecedented levels of performance and competitiveness.
As Paris 2024 approaches, the Paralympic Games still stand as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and triumph over adversity. From humble beginnings, the Paralympics have evolved into a global celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and determination. Over time, this sporting competition has undergone significant transformations and evolutions, recognizing the extraordinary capabilities of athletes with disabilities.
As Paris 2024 approaches, the Paralympic Games still stand as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and triumph over adversity. From humble beginnings, the Paralympics have evolved into a global celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and determination. Over time, this sporting competition has undergone significant transformations and evolutions, recognizing the extraordinary capabilities of athletes with disabilities.
Since its inception in 1960, the Paralympic Games have experienced remarkable growth both in terms of participation and recognition. What started as a small gathering of 400 athletes from 23 countries has burgeoned into a colossal event featuring thousands of athletes from over 160 nations – around 4,400 athletes are expected to compete at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This exponential rise in participation mirrors the increasing relevance, awareness, and acceptance of disability sports on a global scale. Nowadays the Paralympic Games hold the same dignity, significance, and competitive value as the Olympic Games, in their own right.
The Paralympic Games have also witnessed a substantial expansion in the number of disciplines, paralleling the growth in athlete participation. Initially, the games focused primarily on wheelchair sports. However, as the movement gained momentum, a plethora of new disciplines were introduced, ranging from athletics and swimming to skiing and cycling. This diversification not only broadened the scope of the Paralympics but also provided athletes with disabilities a platform to showcase their talents across a myriad of sporting domains. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will feature 23 disciplines for a total of 22 sports (para cycling includes track and road cycling) versus the 32 of the Olympic Games.
The Paralympic Games have also witnessed a substantial expansion in the number of disciplines, paralleling the growth in athlete participation. Initially, the games focused primarily on wheelchair sports. However, as the movement gained momentum, a plethora of new disciplines were introduced, ranging from athletics and swimming to skiing and cycling. This diversification not only broadened the scope of the Paralympics but also provided athletes with disabilities a platform to showcase their talents across a myriad of sporting domains. Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will feature 23 disciplines for a total of 22 sports (para cycling includes track and road cycling) versus the 32 of the Olympic Games.
FROM SYMBOL TO COMPETITION
In its nascent stages, the Paralympic Games served primarily as a symbolic demonstration of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. However, as the years progressed, the event underwent a profound transformation, shifting from mere symbolism to fierce competitiveness and performance excellence. Athletes began to train rigorously, pushing the boundaries of human potential and shattering records previously deemed unattainable. The Paralympics have become synonymous with elite athleticism, garnering widespread recognition for its competitive intensity and sporting prowess, nothing less than the Olympics.
In recent years, the Paralympic Games have emerged as a cornerstone of the global sporting calendar, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Olympic Games in terms of dimension, relevance, and prestige. Gone are the days when the Paralympics were viewed as a mere sideshow to their Olympic counterpart. Today, both events are celebrated with equal fervor, drawing millions of spectators worldwide and captivating audiences with awe-inspiring displays of athleticism. The Paralympic movement’s journey from its humble origins to its current eminence is a testament to the transformative power of sport in transcending barriers and fostering inclusivity.
In recent years, the Paralympic Games have emerged as a cornerstone of the global sporting calendar, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Olympic Games in terms of dimension, relevance, and prestige. Gone are the days when the Paralympics were viewed as a mere sideshow to their Olympic counterpart. Today, both events are celebrated with equal fervor, drawing millions of spectators worldwide and captivating audiences with awe-inspiring displays of athleticism. The Paralympic movement’s journey from its humble origins to its current eminence is a testament to the transformative power of sport in transcending barriers and fostering inclusivity.
SUPPORTING PARALYMPIC ADVOCATES: TECHNOGYM’S COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY
Confirming its role of reference and key player for the training of worldwide champions, Technogym has been appointed Official Supplier to the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games for the ninth time, after Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.
Over the years, the brand has also established solid relationships with dedicated and committed Paralympic athletes, including young Technogym Ambassadors Bebe Vio and Felix Streng, as well as Ambra Sabatini. Technogym’s connection with the Paralympic world also implies a side-by-side growth dynamic to always innovate and enhance products for competitiveness.
Beatrice Maria ‘Bebe’ Vio (born in 1997) is an Italian wheelchair fencer who has gained widespread recognition for her remarkable achievements, both in sports and as an advocate for disability rights. Bebe’s life changed at 11 when both her legs from the knee and her arms from the forearm were amputated because of meningitis. Despite this profound challenge, she refused to let her disability define her. She discovered wheelchair fencing and quickly excelled in the sport, showcasing her exceptional talent, determination, and resilience. She has since become one of the most decorated wheelchair fencers in the world, winning numerous Paralympic and World Championship titles (including several two Paralympic Games gold medals).
Beyond her sporting achievements, Bebe has become an inspirational figure and an outspoken advocate for disability rights. Together with other Paralympic athletes, she’s also part of the Fly2Paris project, which aims to inspire younger generations through Paralympic sports to help look at the world with a new perspective. Bebe uses her platform to raise awareness about inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams regardless of obstacles. She continues to inspire people around the world with her courage, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the fencing strip.
Over the years, the brand has also established solid relationships with dedicated and committed Paralympic athletes, including young Technogym Ambassadors Bebe Vio and Felix Streng, as well as Ambra Sabatini. Technogym’s connection with the Paralympic world also implies a side-by-side growth dynamic to always innovate and enhance products for competitiveness.
Beatrice Maria ‘Bebe’ Vio (born in 1997) is an Italian wheelchair fencer who has gained widespread recognition for her remarkable achievements, both in sports and as an advocate for disability rights. Bebe’s life changed at 11 when both her legs from the knee and her arms from the forearm were amputated because of meningitis. Despite this profound challenge, she refused to let her disability define her. She discovered wheelchair fencing and quickly excelled in the sport, showcasing her exceptional talent, determination, and resilience. She has since become one of the most decorated wheelchair fencers in the world, winning numerous Paralympic and World Championship titles (including several two Paralympic Games gold medals).
Beyond her sporting achievements, Bebe has become an inspirational figure and an outspoken advocate for disability rights. Together with other Paralympic athletes, she’s also part of the Fly2Paris project, which aims to inspire younger generations through Paralympic sports to help look at the world with a new perspective. Bebe uses her platform to raise awareness about inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams regardless of obstacles. She continues to inspire people around the world with her courage, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the fencing strip.
Another Technogym Ambassador, Felix Streng (born in 1995) is a single-leg-amputee German Paralympic track and field athlete, competing in both sprint and long jump events. Streng has represented Germany in numerous international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships. He has earned multiple medals (including several golds) throughout his career, showcasing his exceptional speed, strength, and endurance on the track.
Off the track, Streng is known for his positive attitude, resilience, and dedication to promoting para-sports and disability awareness. He serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals with disabilities worldwide, demonstrating the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming adversity.
Ambra Sabatini (born in 2002) is an Italian Paralympic athlete, competing in track and field. Ambra has been active in sports since childhood, first in skating, then in volleyball, to finally land in track and field as a middle-distance runner. After a car accident at the age of 17, her left leg was amputated above the knee, but this didn’t stop her ambition and determination. She practiced swimming and cycling until she got the specific prosthetic leg to get back to track and field. The results came soon as she currently holds two gold medals for the 100-meter dash: at Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games and at Paris 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.
Off the track, Streng is known for his positive attitude, resilience, and dedication to promoting para-sports and disability awareness. He serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals with disabilities worldwide, demonstrating the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming adversity.
Ambra Sabatini (born in 2002) is an Italian Paralympic athlete, competing in track and field. Ambra has been active in sports since childhood, first in skating, then in volleyball, to finally land in track and field as a middle-distance runner. After a car accident at the age of 17, her left leg was amputated above the knee, but this didn’t stop her ambition and determination. She practiced swimming and cycling until she got the specific prosthetic leg to get back to track and field. The results came soon as she currently holds two gold medals for the 100-meter dash: at Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games and at Paris 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.
TECHNOGYM FOR THE TRAINING OF PARALYMPIC ATHLETES
The answer to reach the best possible performance during strength sessions is Technogym’s Biostrength. Thanks to AI and the brand’s signature research in innovation, Biostrength adapts and guides users, ensuring up to 30% better results in the same amount of time. The spearhead of Biostrength offering lays its precise tracking functionality, versatility, and adaptability and 6 different types of resistance (isotonic, no inertia, eccentric overload, eccentric reduction, viscous, elastic).
Based on the unique Biostrength technology, Biostrength REV was developed specifically for the performance and health market. The Biostrength REV line makes up the ultimate way to test and train athletes with millimeter precision. The brand-new pieces of equipment (Adjustable Pulley REV, Leg Press REV, and Leg Extension REV) come with the 6 different types of resistance and add a specific focus on precision training. The sensors placed on the equipment allow the necessary information and data to be gathered to reach the goal in the most effective way possible. All REV equipment allows unilateral training and differentiates between right and left limb data, providing precise and specific insight.
The same applies to Skillrun from Skill Line, the range of products by Technogym for cardio and strength training which provides the absolute best biomechanics. Skillrun makes up the ultimate offering for runners thanks to its running function, sled function, and parachute function and offers measurements and analysis of asymmetries.
Skillup – another component of Skill Line – is the only upper body ergometer featuring the unique Multidrive Technology for switching between cardio and power training modes in one workout. In addition to aerobic workout, magnetic resistance increases intensity for power-building and functional exercises. Skillup is designed to train all the upper muscle groups in particular, by simulating the athletic gesture of cross-country skiing and it can be safely and effectively used by athletes on a wheelchair.
Based on the unique Biostrength technology, Biostrength REV was developed specifically for the performance and health market. The Biostrength REV line makes up the ultimate way to test and train athletes with millimeter precision. The brand-new pieces of equipment (Adjustable Pulley REV, Leg Press REV, and Leg Extension REV) come with the 6 different types of resistance and add a specific focus on precision training. The sensors placed on the equipment allow the necessary information and data to be gathered to reach the goal in the most effective way possible. All REV equipment allows unilateral training and differentiates between right and left limb data, providing precise and specific insight.
The same applies to Skillrun from Skill Line, the range of products by Technogym for cardio and strength training which provides the absolute best biomechanics. Skillrun makes up the ultimate offering for runners thanks to its running function, sled function, and parachute function and offers measurements and analysis of asymmetries.
Skillup – another component of Skill Line – is the only upper body ergometer featuring the unique Multidrive Technology for switching between cardio and power training modes in one workout. In addition to aerobic workout, magnetic resistance increases intensity for power-building and functional exercises. Skillup is designed to train all the upper muscle groups in particular, by simulating the athletic gesture of cross-country skiing and it can be safely and effectively used by athletes on a wheelchair.
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