PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![A female sit-skier takes to the trails](/sites/default/files/images/161221184704685_Sini%2BPyy.jpg)
Finland’s Pyy: Why I love cross-country skiing
In the build-up to the 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships, Sini Pyy gives us an insight into her love of the sport.
![No. 5 World’s strongest Paralympian raises bar higher](/sites/default/files/oembed_thumbnails/85KsZzykIXbAlNK8m7HJWnTuDBpH29MxEUat9dBayk8.jpg)
No. 5 World’s strongest Paralympian raises bar higher
Iranian powerlifter Siamand Rahman delivered fans with the lift they had been waiting for, and went even further.
![Markus Salcher goes down the slope very fast, he seems to lose control](/sites/default/files/images/140308172559148_477220513.jpg)
Three things you did not know about Markus Salcher
As he builds up to compete at the 2017 Worlds, find out more about the Austrian downhill and super-G Paralympic champion.
![Top 50 No 6](/sites/default/files/oembed_thumbnails/BDrgVf20Tm1QWHToeZNwZRiE3Ht3U1tq-hh1h0b7C7U.jpg)
No. 6 Refugees make history at Rio 2016
Ibrahim Al-Hussein and Shahrad Nasajpour competed as part of an Independent Paralympic Athletes’ Team, spreading a message of hope for refugees with impairments.
![No. 7 Most decorated Paralympians](/sites/default/files/oembed_thumbnails/Liz7Ue1wA4CffEx3lTfIOkxIV4ug8gInUNt1eUIVwyQ.jpg)
No. 7 More bling for Boki
Ihar Boki left Rio as the most decorated Paralympian, while China once again dominated the medals table.
![Women in wheelchairs forming a circle on a basketball field](/sites/default/files/images/161012074918264_GettyImages-606989252.jpg)
Wheelchair basketball: Five things learned in 2016
The year saw development in Africa, as well as anticipating match-ups heading into the 2017 Europeans.
![No. 8 Top four in men’s 1,500m finish faster than Olympics](/sites/default/files/oembed_thumbnails/2GVwiy4KUUex1P2vl8DNP6Zo4xWQNHo_ZOVSKLmaftY.jpg)
No. 8 Top four in men’s 1,500m finish faster than Olympics
The top four finishers in the men’s 1,500m T13 race at Rio 2016 will go down in history.
David Smith ready to handle ‘pressure’
The newly crowned BC1 individual Paralympic champion knows more medals brings pressure, but team support is key.
![Top 50 No 9](/sites/default/files/oembed_thumbnails/mAR07bJzcshkSgIsUVKdR1SedM2HzIJ30rv8Py-ay7E.jpg)
No. 9 Dias is fan favourite at Rio 2016
The Brazilian swimmer was the face of September’s Paralympic Games, winning four gold medals in front of joyous home crowds.
![Carlos Serrano Zarate COL takes the Gold Medal in a new World Record time in the Men's 100m Breaststroke.](/sites/default/files/images/160911000709053_serrano.jpg)
Colombian, Swedish athletes win national awards
Para Sport Sweden presented the nominees for the Para sport awards whilst Colombian newspaper El Espectador presented theirs.