If the Olympics Opening Ceremony was edgy, the Paralympics Opening Ceremony traveled to the edge and beyond, encouraging the able-bodied among us to look, really look, at people with disabilities and, in so doing, to acknowledge our own.
Will Usain Bolt Try the Long Jump In Rio?
Usain Bolt is thinking of taking up the long jump. Why we hope he gives it a serious shot.
Highlights from the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremonies
From fireworks and flying performers to a welcome from professor Stephen Hawking, the London Paralympic Games started off with a bang exploring the theme of Enlightenment. Here, TIME presents the best moments from the opening ceremonies.
How the Paralympics Is Welcoming Back Intellectually Impaired Athletes 12 Years After Cheating Scandal
For the first time in 12 years, the intellectually impaired will be allowed to compete at the Paralympics. But thanks to the brazen cheating scandal that halted their participation, the athletes will have to work harder to prove …
20 Paralympic Athletes to Watch at London 2012
From Australia to Great Britain, South Africa to the U.S., TIME takes you around the globe to meet the compelling and inspiring athletes competing at the London Paralympics.
Will This Be First Paralympics to Sell Out?
Coming on the heels of the hugely popular London Olympics, the Paralympics starting this week in Britain are shaping up to be the most successful ever
British Aren’t Happy that Some Gold Medalists May Not Make the Royal Honor Roll
Winning a medal at the Olympics may not be enough to receive an honor from the Queen, and many Brits are not happy about it
Blind Faith: How Kenyan Paralympian Henry Wanyoike Triumphed
How Kenyan Paralympic hero Henry Wanyoike triumphed over despair, ran his way to glory—and got his life back
How the Olympics Can Help — or Hurt — An Athlete’s Business Career
For Olympic athletes who play their cards right, people’s fascination with the games can translate to opportunities in the business world that may not be available to mere mortals
After London, It’s Back to Work: 10 Olympians Returning to Their Day Jobs
Not every athlete spends four years solidly training for the Olympics. Here’s our pick of the competitors who are keeping the amateur spirit alive in sport by going back to their day jobs.