The top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025 are not only breaking world records—they’re breaking barriers. These female athletes have become symbols of excellence, strength, and global inspiration. Competing across diverse sports like athletics, swimming, archery, shooting, cycling, and canoeing, they represent countries including the USA, Netherlands, Great Britain, India, Ukraine, and China. Their performances at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games set new benchmarks, and their form in 2025 continues to captivate international audiences.
These top 10 elite Paralympic athletes have proven their dominance through medal-winning consistency, technical perfection, and remarkable mental strength. Whether it’s Fleur Jong’s long jump world record, Oksana Masters’ multi-sport supremacy, or Avani Lekhara’s unmatched precision in shooting, each athlete on this list is shaping the future of Paralympic sport. They embody courage, discipline, and elite athleticism. With major events ahead—including World Cups, World Championships, and qualifiers for the next Games—these Paralympians are ones to follow every step of the way in 2025.
Top 10 Elite Paralympic Athletes you must know:
10. Alexa Szvitacs (Hungary)
A table tennis powerhouse, Alexa Szvitacs rounds off the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes of 2025. After surviving a rare infection that resulted in amputations, Szvitacs made an emotional return to competitive sport. At Paris 2024, she earned bronze in Women’s Singles Class 9. In 2025, she broke into the top three of the world rankings after silver at the World Para Table Tennis Championships.
Her aggressive playstyle, quick footwork, and fast counter-hits make her a standout. More than medals, her journey represents resilience and courage. Szvitacs has become a symbol of strength, and her fan base continues to grow. She trains intensively ahead of every major tournament, and her improvement curve shows no signs of slowing down. Among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes, Szvitacs represents a perfect blend of grit, talent, and legacy.
| Singles Class 9 | Bronze – Paris 2024 |
| Singles Class 9 | Silver – Worlds 2025 |
9. Milena Olszewska (Poland)
Milena Olszewska is firmly among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025. A veteran in recurve archery, she has medaled at multiple Paralympic Games, including bronze in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and competed again in Paris 2024. Known for her steady hand, focused precision, and resilience, Olszewska claimed European mixed-team gold in 2022 and continues to perform at top international levels. In 2025, she maintained a strong individual presence and contributed significantly to Poland’s team events at major championships.
Her consistent scores and calm competition style make her a cornerstone of the national para-archery squad. Milena’s blend of experience and leadership ensures she continues inspiring para-athletes across Europe. As one of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes, her ongoing performance cements her legacy in Polish and global paralympic sport.
| Recurve Open Singles | Bronze – London 2012 / Rio 2016 |
| Mixed Team Recurve | Gold – European Champs 2022 |
8. Zhou Xia (China)
Zhou Xia has become a force in para-athletics, solidifying her spot among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025. Specializing in T35 sprints, she won double gold in the 100 m and 200 m events at Paris 2024. Zhou holds multiple world records and remains unbeaten across Asian and global meets in 2025. Her explosive power off the block and graceful mid-race form set her apart from competitors.
She leads China’s para-athletic team with precision and pride, serving as both competitor and mentor to rising talents. As she eyes future Games, Zhou continues to refine her technique while dominating every track she sets foot on. Among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes, her consistent excellence makes her one to watch in every championship.
| 100 m T35 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
| 200 m T35 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
7. Teresa Perales (Spain)
Spanish swimmer Teresa Perales is a legend among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes, with 27 career medals across six Paralympic Games. At Paris 2024, she added two more medals in S5 freestyle and backstroke events, continuing her legacy. Her powerful finishes and incredible endurance remain unmatched even in 2025, where she competes regularly on the World Para Swimming circuit. Known for her mental strength and leadership, Perales has also authored books and served as a motivational speaker.
Her comeback after injury in 2023 inspired many, and she’s currently training for the 2026 World Championships. Her blend of longevity, consistency, and athletic excellence makes her a historic and current star among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in the world.
| 50 m Freestyle S5 | Bronze – Paris 2024 |
| 100 m Backstroke S5 | Silver – Paris 2024 |
6. Hannah Cockroft (Great Britain)
One of the most decorated para-athletes in history, Hannah Cockroft remains firmly among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025. A T34 wheelchair racer, she claimed gold in the 100 m and 800 m at Paris 2024, continuing her dominance in sprint and middle distances. Known for her powerful starts and smooth acceleration, Cockroft has remained unbeaten in major championships for over a decade.
In 2025, she extended her winning streak at the European Para Championships and remains a top contender for the upcoming World Para Athletics events. Beyond racing, she’s a vocal advocate for inclusion and disability rights. Cockroft’s discipline and performance consistency make her one of the most respected names in para-sport history—and a permanent figure in any list of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes.
| 100 m T34 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
| 800 m T34 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
5. Yin Menglu (China)
China’s Yin Menglu has quickly risen to be one of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025 with her impressive table tennis performances. She won gold in the Class 3 singles at Paris 2024 and led her team to silver in the Class 1–3 team event. Known for her sharp backhand and precision serves, Yin’s agility and court awareness are unmatched in her category.
Her undefeated singles streak carried into 2025’s Asian Para Games, where she swept the finals without dropping a set. Menglu’s dominance has redefined China’s reputation in para-table tennis. She is currently ranked World No.1 and a heavy favorite for all major titles this year. Her consistent training, discipline, and strategic playstyle place her firmly among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes on the global stage.
| Singles Class 3 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
| Team Class 1–3 | Silver – Paris 2024 |
4. Poppy Maskill (Great Britain)
British swimmer Poppy Maskill is quickly becoming a legend among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025. At Paris 2024, she bagged three golds—in 100 m butterfly S14, 100 m backstroke S14, and the mixed relay. She also claimed silver and bronze in other individual events, emerging as the most decorated female swimmer for Team GB.
Her butterfly split in the heats broke the previous world record, and she has since maintained world-leading times across events. Poppy is known for her powerful kick and flawless turns, giving her an edge in tight finishes. In 2025, she continues to train under the UK Elite Performance program, preparing for the World Para Swimming Championships. With youth on her side and a growing medal tally, Maskill is undoubtedly one of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes dominating international pools this season.
| 100 m Butterfly S14 | Gold + WR – Paris 2024 |
| Mixed 4×100 m Relay S14 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
3. Avani Lekhara (India)
India’s Avani Lekhara remains firmly placed among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025 for her exceptional shooting prowess. At Paris 2024, she defended her gold medal in the 10 m air rifle standing SH1 and took bronze in 50 m rifle 3 positions SH1. She set a new world record in qualifying and continued her form into the 2025 World Cup events.
Her consistency in the finals, often scoring over 250 in pressure rounds, has earned her the world No.1 rank. Avani also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring para-athletes in India and around the world. Her composure, accuracy, and tactical clarity give her the edge over rivals. Whether competing in national circuits or global championships, Lekhara’s performance reflects her commitment to excellence. She is undoubtedly one of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes dominating the 2025 competitive shooting landscape.
| 10 m Air Rifle SH1 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
| 50 m Rifle 3P SH1 | Bronze – Paris 2024 |
2. Fleur Jong (Netherlands)
Fleur Jong, a long jump and sprint sensation, remains one of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025. She won gold in both the T62 long jump and 100 m T64 at Paris 2024, later equaling her world record of 6.74 m in May 2025. Jong’s speed, explosive form, and elegant landings make her a dominant force in para-athletics.
As a double world champion and Paralympic record holder, her versatility in sprints and jumps has made her a medal favorite at every event. Jong is currently undefeated in her category and leads the European rankings. Her training continues to focus on pushing her distance beyond 6.80 m, aiming for a new world best. Jong’s fearless energy and technical mastery solidify her place among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes globally.
| Long Jump T62 | 6.74 m – WR Equal (May 2025) |
| 100 m T64 | Gold – Paris 2024 |
1. Oksana Masters (USA)
One of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025, Oksana Masters is a multi-sport icon. She won gold in the H5 time trial and road race at Paris 2024, bringing her Paralympic medal count to 19 across cycling, skiing, and rowing. Masters is known for her explosive power, tactical brilliance, and inspiring resilience. In 2025, she continues to dominate on the UCI Para-Cycling World Cup circuit, consistently finishing on the podium. Her time trial victory (23:45.20) displayed exceptional control and endurance.
Oksana remains a fierce advocate for inclusivity in sports, using her platform to uplift para-athletes globally. As she enters her sixth Paralympic cycle, her commitment to excellence is stronger than ever. Whether it’s tackling rough climbs or sprinting to the finish, Masters is unstoppable. Her consistency and versatility make her a cornerstone of the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025.
| H5 Time Trial | Gold – Paris 2024 (23:45.20) |
| H5 Road Race | Gold – Paris 2024 |
FAQs
Q1. Who is the most decorated athlete among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes?
Oksana Masters holds that distinction with 19 Paralympic medals across multiple sports including cycling, skiing, and rowing, making her a standout among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes in 2025.
Q2. Are there any newcomers in the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes list this year?
Yes, athletes like Marcelina Bajer and Alexa Szvitacs are emerging stars who made significant impacts at Paris 2024 and continued strong performances in 2025, earning them a spot among the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes.
Q3. Which sports are represented by the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes?
The list includes athletes from para-athletics, swimming, archery, table tennis, shooting, and cycling—highlighting the diversity and skill across disciplines in the top 10 elite Paralympic athletes.
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