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I was at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I witnessed with dumbfounding inspiration the incredible feats of sporting heroes, as well as the moments where dreams were dawned, achieved, and crushed. As a 12 year old 2020 hopeful, watching Michael Phelps as he received an award for his breathtaking achievements made tangible the thought of one day also swimming in the Olympics.
The Olympic games represent something more than just competition, they exist as a checkpoint at which only the most dedicated, talented, and ruthless can reach (as discussed in Exploring Athlete A). This worldwide movement provides the opportunity for nations to come together every 4 years in support of their athletes as they represent the hopes and spirits of their homes. And yet somehow, I had no idea about the equally (if not more) significant Paralympic Games which came right after it.
In a tastefully dramatic and heartwarming style, Rising Phoenix reveals the underlying purpose, politics, and power behind the Paralympic games, and succeeds in inspiring a greater movement which has quite literally changed the lives of millions.
The Birth of the Flame
While the original Olympic games were born by Ancient Greece, the spirit of the Paralympic Games was not conceived until the late 1940s by Dr. Ludwig Guttman. Born in Germany in 1899, Guttman worked as a neurologist, however in alignment with Hitler’s ascension to power, he lost his job as a result of his Jewish heritage and was eventually forced to flee to England.
Taking a position at the National Spinal Injury Centre, within a short time Guttman had entirely redefined recovery by suggesting that soldiers with spinal injuries be turned every 2 hours. Not only did this save lives by stopping bedsores and thus infection, but his belief in the ability to recover the spirits of these injured patients brought an optimistic fire to the hearts of many. As with most recoveries, sport plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of both mind and body. Guttman was adamant in upholding this belief and integrated movement into hospital routine, eventually building up towards the 1948 ‘Wheelchair Games’ – the first ever competition held for disabled athletes.
Rising Phoenix follows the transformation of this home-grown event as it emerged into the international sporting limelight – gaining popularity as the annual ‘Stoke Mandeville Games’, and finally coined the Paralympic Games in 1960.
Controversy & Ignorance
Up until the 1980s the Paralympic Games continued to evolve and adapt to the pressures and structures of international sports regulations and expectations. In 1989 the Paralympics and Olympics became formally linked, however in reality this union remained strained by underlying politics around the treatment and perception of disabled athletes.
In 1980 Russia refused to host the Paralympics out of denial for the existence of disabled people – let alone athletes. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was forced to look elsewhere – eventually settling in Arnhem, Netherlands and having a highly successful event – however this showcases the harm caused by deep-rooted stereotypes and the continued struggle for the recognition of disabled sport and appreciation of its athletes.
Similarly, the most recent Rio 2016 games turned to shambles when funding reserved for the Paralympics was spent on the Olympics, and again the IPC was forced into a position of inferiority and inequality. However in true underdog style, Rising Phoenix highlights the resilience of the Paralympic spirit after the deflating realisation that no tickets had been sold, and showcases the inspirational motivation of the games once the world started watching.
Power & Purpose
The documentary provides a constant reminder for the rehabilitative power of sport, particularly its ability to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Many of the tear-jerking glimpses into the athletes’ stories revealed a deeper connection with sports which for some were able to free them from traumatic pasts. Overarchingly, the beauty of Rising Phoenix was its incredible depiction of these heroes in their element, and did well to celebrate their empowered capacity to reach unimaginable triumphs.
‘heroes are made at the Olympics, but heroes come to the Paralympics’
In one particular interview with Prince Harry, he comments upon the great shame that was the (initial) low attendance at Rio 2016, not just on behalf of the athletes but particularly for the missed opportunity to change the lives of those watching from the stands. For the athletes, the Games mean more than anything, but for the viewers – that’s when dreams are made.
Rising Phoenix will undoubtedly leave you on an emotional high, and I recommend this documentary with the utmost appreciation for the Paralympic spirit. With a new perspective on the history, development, and success of the Paralympic Games, it certainly contextualises the continued struggle for equal recognition, opportunity, and appreciation for Paralympians.
Resources & Further Reading
The History Press, Dr. Guttman and the Paralympic Movement
ABC, How the 2000 Sydney Paralympics changed perceptions of disability
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