ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigated the sports legacies of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games (PG) from the perspective of Brazilian Paralympic athletes. Methodology We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty athletes, examining the following categories of sports legacies: sports facilities, material resources and equipment, sponsorships, encouragement of sports participation, and athletes’ motivation/experiences. Findings According to the interviewees, the main legacies were the establishment of the Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre, located in São Paulo, coupled with the experience, personal pride, and motivation gained from participating in the PG. They believe that inadequate management by the public authorities and sports entity leaders hindered the realization of positive legacies in the other investigated categories. Implications This study recommends the need for advance planning to maximize the legacies of the PG for the sports community. In addition to the usual involvement of politicians and sports leaders, we suggest the inclusion of athlete representation in this process. Research contributions This study emphasizes the importance of proactive management in sports entities and highlights how it can enhance or impede potential positive sports legacies. Originality While other studies have evaluated PG legacies from various perspectives, such as social or infrastructural, few have specifically assessed sports legacies.