Team USA Flag Bearers Aim for Historic Third Consecutive Gold Medals at the 2024 Paralympics
As the 2024 Paralympics commenced with an impressive Opening Ceremony in Paris on Wednesday, Team USA proudly revealed its flag bearers, who are both striving to make history by achieving third consecutive gold medals in their respective sports. Steve “Captain America” Serio, hailing from Brooklyn, is competing in his fifth Paralympic wheelchair basketball games. Alongside him, Nicky Nieves, a talented sitting volleyball player from the Bronx, are both driven by the desire to secure historic victories for Team USA.
Recently selected by a vote conducted by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, Serio and Nieves expressed their profound gratitude and enthusiasm for the honor of serving as flag bearers. Upon receiving this prestigious acknowledgment, Serio stated, “I never thought this would be something I would get to experience in my career. Hopefully, I will make my country proud, and I cannot wait to represent you all at the front of the pack at the Opening Ceremony.”
This forthcoming event will mark Serio’s final Paralympics, and while proudly carrying the flag, he is undoubtedly focused on achieving a third gold medal. The 36-year-old athlete significantly contributed to the U.S. wheelchair basketball team’s triumph in the Tokyo Paralympics by scoring 28 points and providing nine assists during the championship game, which culminated in a second consecutive gold medal victory. Prior to this, the team earned a bronze medal in London, followed by their first gold medal in Rio.
Meanwhile, Nieves aims to not only clinch her second personal gold medal but also secure the third gold for the U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team. The 32-year-old athlete was instrumental in leading her team to gold at the Rio Paralympics; however, her journey to Tokyo was hindered by a COVID-19 diagnosis that emerged just before her scheduled departure. Her selection as flag bearer reflects her outstanding performance on the court as well as her dedication to advocating for the Paralympic movement, as noted by NBC commentator Sophie Morgan.
Looking ahead, the schedule for Team USA’s events is set. The men’s wheelchair basketball team is scheduled to compete against Spain in their first group stage match on Thursday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. EDT, while the women’s wheelchair basketball team will face Germany on August 30 at the same time. Similarly, the USA women’s sitting volleyball team will commence their journey against China on August 30 at 6:00 a.m. EDT.
For those wishing to witness the exciting competition, all events during the 2024 Paralympics in Paris will be streamed live on Peacock, allowing fans to support their athletes from the comfort of their homes.
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