The Penrith athletes we'll be cheering for at the Paralympics • The ...

The Olympic Games captivated the nation a few weeks ago and they were officially our most successful ever. And now, us Australians get to do it all over again when we cheer on our mighty Paralympians at the Paris Paralympic Games.

160 athletes across 17 sports will form the next chapter of Australia’s vibrant story at the Paralympics, with six of the inspirational Aussies competing in the French capital over the next 10 days having a special local connection either through birth, residency or training base.

From August 29 to September 8, the Weekender encourages you to gather up your green and gold once again and cheer on your local athletes to glory.

Back for his third Paralympic Games is Penrith-born Para-archer Jonathon Milne. The 38-year-old, who has tetraplegia following a diving accident, will look to add to his bronze medal from Rio when he competes in the Individual Compound event in Paris.

Also born in Penrith and back for his third Paralympics is Para-athletics star James Turner. The 28-year-old, who lives with cerebral palsy, will race in the 100m and 400m. Turner already has two gold medals and one silver medal from previous Paralympics.

Over in the pool, three-time Paralympian Paige Leonhardt will be doing Penrith proud when she competes in three Para-swimming events. The 23-year-old, who has an intellectual impairment due to a car accident, will race in the 100m Fly, 100m Breast and 200m Medley in Paris.

Making her Paralympic debut is fellow Penrith-born Para-swimmer Ella Jones. The 23-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, will aim for a medal in the 100m Back and 400m Free events.

While he no longer resides in the local area due to relocating to Queensland, Penrith Para-rowing legend Erik Horrie returns to the Paralympic arena for the fourth time. The 44-year-old paraplegic, who trained every day at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, will look to better his three previous silver medals when he contests the Single Scull event.

Finally, Penrith-born Para-cyclist Amanda Reid is back for her fourth Paralympic Games. The 27-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, will race in the 500m Time Trial, Individual Time Trial and Road Race. Reid has been very successful at previous Paralympics, winning gold in Tokyo and silver in Rio.

As touched on earlier with our local athletes, the Australian team is brimming with experience of a combined 196 Paralympic Games appearances, including 11 appearances for other nations.

The team is 56 per cent male and 44 per cent female. 61 athletes (38 per cent) will make their Paralympic debut, and the average age of the Australian athletes in Paris will be 31.3 years.

“This is a team that all Australians can get behind,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission, Kate McLoughlin said.

“They are incredible athletes, exceptional human beings and a wonderful example of what can be achieved with determination and resilience.

“This team has taken years to assemble, and I hope everyone who has played a part in supporting and developing our athletes feels a great sense of pride when they see them representing Australia in Paris.

“This team is ready and raring to compete on the biggest stage of all and make all Australians proud.”

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games will be broadcast live on Channel Nine, 9Gem, 9Now and streaming on Stan Sport.