IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

The Games Aren't Over Just Yet: Gearing Up for the Paralympics

<p>One of the world's most inspirational sporting events is about to begin.</p>
WHISTLER, BC - MARCH 21:  Francesca Porcellato of Italy celebrates as she crosses the line to win gold ahead of Olena Iurkovska of Ukraine in the Women's 1km Standing Cross-Country Sprint Final during Day 10 of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Paralympic Park on March 21, 2010 in Whistler, Canada.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
WHISTLER, BC - MARCH 21: Francesca Porcellato of Italy celebrates as she crosses the line to win gold ahead of Olena Iurkovska of Ukraine in the Women's 1km Standing Cross-Country Sprint Final during Day 10 of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Paralympic Park on March 21, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)Jamie McDonald / Getty Images

Hundreds of exceptional athletes from around the world will compete in the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympics beginning March 7. The first Winter Paralympics were held in 1976, and since then the Games have grown exponentially. It is now the second-largest sporting event in the world.

One of the most decorated athletes attending this year’s Paralympics is Team USA wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden. Last year, she became the first person to complete a “Grand Slam,” winning four major wheelchair marathons in one year: London, Boston, Chicago and New York. She’s also won 10 Paralympic medals in the Summer Games. Now, she’s competing in the Winter Games, in Nordic skiing.

NBC News National Correspondent Kate Snow has followed McFadden for months – her remarkable story aired Mar. 6 on Nightly News with Brian Williams.