Mon Sep 09 15:30:59 UTC 2024: ## Team USA Shines at Paris Paralympics, Bringing Home 105 Medals
**Paris, France** – The 2024 Paralympic Games concluded on Sunday, bringing an end to 11 days of thrilling competition in the City of Lights. While China continued its dominance, securing its sixth consecutive Summer Games victory with a staggering 220 medals, including 94 gold, Team USA delivered a strong performance, claiming 105 medals, including 36 gold.
The U.S. excelled across numerous sports, achieving podium finishes in 16 out of the 20 disciplines they participated in. Track and field proved particularly fruitful, with 38 medals, followed by swimming with 30. Team USA also made significant contributions in cycling, triathlon, and equestrian.
The Games saw a number of notable individual achievements. Tatyana McFadden, a legend in Para track and field, earned her 21st medal, solidifying her position as the most decorated U.S. athlete in the sport. Roderick Townsend completed a hat-trick in the men’s high jump T47, securing his third consecutive gold since 2016. Ezra Fech also impressed with his first two Paralympic gold medals.
Hunter Woodhall, a fan favorite and half of the power couple Hunter-Woodhall, added another feather to his cap by winning gold in the men’s 400m T62 final. His wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, who won gold in the Olympic long jump just weeks prior, was there to celebrate.
In the pool, six-time Paralympian Jessica Long, who won her first medal in Athens 2004 at age 12, added two more to her collection, bringing her career total to 31, including 18 gold, making her the second-most decorated American Paralympian of all time.
First-time Paralympians also made waves. Ali Truwit, who lost part of her leg in a shark attack just a year ago, earned two silver medals. Christie Raleigh Crossley, despite facing bullying due to her disability, triumphed with five medals and even set a 50-meter freestyle world record. Raleigh Crossley shares the honor of the most medals won by an American Paralympian in Paris with fellow swimmer Ellie Marks, who served as one of the flag bearers during the closing ceremony.
Team sports also yielded success for Team USA. The Para triathlon team won eight medals, their best performance in the sport and their third consecutive first-place finish. Team USA also defended their titles in men’s wheelchair basketball and women’s sitting volleyball. The women’s wheelchair basketball team secured silver for the first time in 32 years. The wheelchair rugby team, a perennial powerhouse, secured their seventh consecutive podium finish with a silver medal.
The Games saw numerous historic firsts for American athletes. Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon, both 19, became the first U.S. athletes to medal in badminton at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games. Matt Stutzman, a four-time Paralympian, became the first armless archer to win Paralympic gold. Jeremy Campbell made history as the first Paralympian to throw over 60 meters in discus F64, securing his fourth gold medal in the event. Noelle Malkamaki broke her own world record and became the first woman to throw over 14 meters in the shot put F46. Liana Mutia became the first American woman to medal in Para judo-57 kg. And multi-sport athlete Oksana Masters repeated as champion in both of her individual Para cycling road race events, bringing her career medal total to 19 in four different sports.
Beyond the individual achievements, the Games were filled with inspiring stories and significant milestones. Athletes broke over 40 world records across various disciplines. Zakia Khudadadi of the Refugee Paralympic Team, originally from Afghanistan, secured the team’s first-ever medal, while sprinter Guillaume Junior Atangana won their second. Both dedicated their bronze medals to the millions displaced worldwide. Several countries, including Eritrea, made their Paralympic debut, while others, like Nepal, reached the medal podium for the first time. British Para archer Jodie Grinham became the first known pregnant athlete to make it to the Paralympic podium. And amidst the competitive spirit, four marriage proposals added a touch of romance to the “City of Love.”
With the Games drawing to a close, the focus now turns to the next chapter: the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Until then, the world eagerly anticipates the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, and the exciting prospect of seeing beloved American Olympians like rugby player Ilona Maher and gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik compete on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
First Piper 