The 13th Summer Paralympics in Beijing set a record for national participation and saw China dominate with 211 total medals across 146 competing nations.
Key Facts
- Athletes competed
- 3,951
- Nations participating
- 146 (record high)
- China gold medals
- 89
- China total medals
- 211
- Paralympic records broken
- 339
- World records broken
- 279
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Beijing was awarded hosting rights for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, continuing the tradition of co-hosting both events in the same city. The selection provided China an opportunity to present itself on the global stage and invest heavily in accessible venues and infrastructure for para-athletes.
From September 6 to 17, 2008, the 13th Summer Paralympic Games were held in Beijing, China, with equestrian events in Hong Kong and sailing in Qingdao. A record 3,951 athletes from 146 countries competed, five of them for the first time. China dominated the medal table with 89 gold medals and 211 total medals, more than double any other nation.
The Games were declared the greatest Paralympics ever by IPC President Philip Craven. A record number of world and Paralympic records were broken, raising the global profile of Paralympic sport. Beijing later hosted the 2022 Winter Paralympics, becoming the first city to host both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, though the 2022 edition proceeded without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Result
at Beijing, China (equestrian: Hong Kong; sailing: Qingdao)