Spotlight on Team USA Athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will commence on Thursday, featuring Team USA, which consists of 120 athletes, evenly divided between male and female competitors, including five guides. The Games will take place from August 28 to September 8. This article highlights several prominent athletes from the United States who are poised to make their mark during the event.
Among the most decorated Paralympians, Jessica Long stands out with her impressive record of 29 medals in Paralympic swimming, 16 of which are gold. Long, who made her debut at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, aims to enhance her medal collection after recently securing six victories at the U.S. Paralympic Trials. She expressed her belief that success at the Games hinges on mental fortitude, noting, “This will be my sixth Games. I have the experience. And even when there are moments of doubt… it’s just swimming. You know how to do it.”
Brittni Mason, who began her athletic journey with gymnastics and dance, found her true passion in sprinting. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Mason made an outstanding debut, clinching three medals, including gold in the 4×100 mixed relay. Reflecting on her inspiration, she stated, “Growing up watching the Olympics… that really resonated with me… they’re feminine, but they’re also athletes.”
Chuck Aoki, a dedicated wheelchair rugby player, cited the documentary “Murderball” as his initial motivation to join the sport. Since his start in 2005, he has garnered three Paralympic medals across London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Aoki has contributed significantly to the U.S. men’s wheelchair rugby team, which is once again anticipated to perform exceptionally in Paris.
Katie Bridge, a stalwart of the U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team, has participated in every Paralympic Games since 2006, save for 2004. Having been named the tournament MVP at the Tokyo 2020 Games, she now embarks on the 2024 games with the added joy of motherhood, having welcomed her daughter Claire in December 2022.
Noelle Malkamaki discovered her affinity for shot put and discus at a young age. Recently, she has established herself as a formidable competitor, setting world records and claiming two World Championship titles. As she heads into the Paris Games, Malkamaki aims to secure a Paralympic medal while striving to set a new record, emphasizing her determination to make it unattainable for future competitors by stating, “I want to push this record so far out there that nobody can ever touch it.”
Brian Bell led the U.S. men’s wheelchair basketball team to gold medals in the past two Paralympic Games. His leadership and prowess were pivotal in earning a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships, as well as at the 2023 ParaPan American Games, contributing to his team’s status as reigning champions heading into the Paris Games.
Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband, Hunter Woodhall, represent the dynamic nature of the Games, celebrating her previous Olympic gold in long jump while Hunter looks to add to his medal collection after previous successes.
Nick Mayhugh, a notable sprinter, set a world record in the 100m T37 sprint at Tokyo 2020. As he prepares for Paris, he aims to secure gold once again while also participating in the men’s long jump event. With a background in Para football, having won a bronze at the 2019 Parapan American Games, Mayhugh exemplifies versatility among competitors.
The athletes of Team USA aspire to make their marks in various sports, standing as symbols of resilience and excellence at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris.
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