Official Paralympics TikTok account causes controversy with 'unhinged' videos

With the Paris Paralympics set to begin, the official TikTok account of the Games has come under fire following a series of videos and captions that seemingly mock the para-athletes.

The account has attempted to use humor to promote the Games, with videos including an armless swimmer using their head to turn, with the Paralympics account overlaying Dora from Finding Nemo’s famous “just keep swimming” song, per Bored Panda.

Another video shows Brad Snyder, a blind triathlete, attempting to find his bike following the swimming leg of a competition. Snyder is seen reaching forward before being directed to the bike by his guide. The Paralympics TikTok account captioned the video, “Para Triathlon is swim, bike, and air piano”.

Image: @Paralympics TikTok account

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Most viewers of these videos seem unsure of how to react, with one TikTok user commenting, “Are the athletes in on the joke? All I see from this account is making fun of them, to be honest,” with the answer to that question being all-important in deciding how to react to the content.

Another commenter replied, “These athletes deserve so much more respect and to be recognized for their hard work,” which could be true, but if they are in on the joke, perhaps the account is being used to raise awareness for both the Games and the athletes themselves rather than an attempt to mock them.

One commenter, per Bored Panda, raises a good point, “I think it’s better to see them as normal athletes, using humor, but never pity,” perhaps showcasing that it’s possible to laugh alongside the athletes, rather than with them means viewers don’t pity, or potentially, patronise the Para-athletes.

Many of the comments below the account’s videos are positive, with one viewer writing, “This account is unhinged, and I love it,” which is seemingly the reaction the creators are looking for.

According to the International Paralympic Committee, the TikTok account is run by 2008 Paralympian Richard Fox, who represented Great Britain in 7-a-side football.

The IPC Communications Officer Craig Spence told WZZM, “If you speak to Paralympians, they’ve got a great sense of humor. They’re not wrapped up in cotton wool and protected from society,” in an interview responding to criticism about the account.

Spence continued, “They like to laugh about themselves. Like we all do, and that’s why we’ve tried to be really edgy on the Paralympic TikTok account.” The 2024 Paralympics starts on the 28th August until the 8th of September, so make sure you’re tuning in to watch the incredible Para-athletes!

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