Rising Phoenix takes viewers on an emotional and inspiring journey to see what the human spirit can do when reaching for greatness
The 2020 sports documentary, Rising Phoenix, follows the Paralympic journey of several athletes and explores the history of the Games. It takes a closer look at the struggles faced by both athletes and organisers of the Games.
For the athletes, the battle is navigating life with a disability and prepping for the Games, while organisers fought for the Paralympic Games and athletes who compete to receive the respect and recognition it and they deserve.
The Paralympic Games were started by Dr Ludwig Guttmann who incorporated sports into his rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries. In 1948, he hosted the Stoke Mandeville Games with patients competing in several sporting events. Each year the event grew. Eventually even international athletes joined to compete.
In 1960, the first Paralympic Games (or “parallel” to the Olympic Games) were held in Rome. Since then, the Games have been a mixed bag. Some were well attended and well organised while others were disasters or cancelled completely.
The athletes featured in the documentary, including local champion Ntando Mahlangu, share their personal and professional battles from being accepted in greater society, or coming to terms with their disability, to having to navigate competing in empty stadiums or facing the risk of having a Paralympic event cancelled. Mostly, they share what sport has meant to them and why they compete.
Spoilers
What really stands out in the documentary is the incredible things that can be achieved by the determination of the human spirit. Much of the inspiration comes from the athletes who worked incredibly hard and showed great determination to achieve their goals despite the challenges they might have faced personally and professionally.
Former CEO of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Xav Conzaves summed it up in a beautiful quote at the start of the film: “The Olympics are where heroes are created. The Paralympics are where heroes come.”
“In the Paralympic sport, everybody has a story. It comes from them breaking barriers to achieve what they wanted to achieve. Move on. And live life even if others may think that you cannot,” he added.
However, some of the determination is also shown by the organisers who fought tooth and nail to the very end to ensure the success of the Paralympic Games for they understand what it means to the world. While the Games can change the lives of the athletes competing, it also changes the world and the perception that people might have of people with disabilities.
Since its inception, the Games have put a spotlight on a community that is often hidden away. It challenged outdated or harmful perceptions around people with disabilities, and instead shows the world how much the community has to offer.
Powerlifter Cui Zhe shared how her life changed after she competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Prior to the event, her family expected very little from her. When she was approached by the government to compete at the event, a door was opened. She said that after the Games: “My life and my family’s life improved a lot after that.”
Sir Philip Craven, former president of the IPC, noted: “Before the Paralympics, China had a very low impression of people with an impairment, but that has been the same in every country of the world.”
It is not only the public opinion and the lives of athletes that changed, but the conversations being held. Gold medallist Jonnie Peacock shared: “In 2011, any interview I did pretty much the first question was ‘how did you lose’ your leg. In the months leading up to [the London 2012 Paralympic Games] and constantly after London, it was all about the sport. There was a huge shift from story to sport. That was incredible for me to see.
Thoughts
Rising Phoenix takes the audience on a true rollercoaster of emotions. The documentary touches on the heart ache and challenges but leaves you hopeful of the future.
You are moved by the stories of the athletes, inspired by the determination shown, and angered by the lack of inclusion. However, in the end, there is only joy.
If you aren’t already, you are sure to be truly enthused for the 2024 Paralympic Games – excited to see the athletes perform, and hopeful that the stadiums will be packed with crowds to cheer them on. May Paris only take the Paralympic Games to new heights!
