Beijing Paralympics hit a new record high for viewership

The 2022 Beijing Paralympics hit a new record high in viewership, increasing by 62 percent compared to the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympics.

The 2022 Beijing Paralympics saw a new record high in viewership, with an average viewership increase of 62 percent. Viewership reached nearly 12 million viewers total across multiple platforms, including NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.

The Paralympics, which are typically held shortly after the conclusion of the Olympics, offer athletes with a range of physical disabilities a chance to compete in one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, in representation of their country. The Winter Paralympics offer six different sports, which include multiple events and disciplines in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, and curling.

Viewers not only made history by being the largest collective audience of all time, but they also watched records break as athletes showed the world what they’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

Highlights of the 2022 Beijing Paralympics

Ukraine, after facing danger leading into the Paralympic games, safely arrived and swept three biathlon podiums. With heavy hearts for Ukraine, these wins were emotional and well-deserved.

Another major highlight was Oksana Masters, who competed in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics less than a year ago, added seven more medals to her count throughout the 2022 Paralympics, becoming the most decorated winter US Paralympian of all time. Masters now has a total of 17 medals, including her medals from the summer Paralympics. She made her Paralympic debut in the 2012 London Games.

After competition wrapped up, each country came together for a closing ceremony of the games, which focused on peace, empowerment, and celebration. One of the most moving moments of the closing ceremony was a speech given by Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (via Wynne Davis, NPR).

"“Differences here did not divide us. Through this unity we have hope. Hopes for inclusion, hopes for harmony and importantly hopes for peace. Humankind hopes to live in a world where dialogue prevails.”"

Athletes and viewers alike came together to promote and support peace and unity and were able to make history through one of the biggest stages in the world.