225-Member 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team Unveiled
Paris Opening Ceremony set for August 28
Posted On: August 20, 2024 By :Team USA will be 225 members strong at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris, which start August 28 with the Opening Ceremony at the Place de la Concorde, followed by 11 days of competition through September 8.
The 2024 roster features an equal split of men and women (110 apiece not including guides) and 141 returning Paralympians, including three six-time Paralympians, four five-time Paralympians, eight four-time Paralympians, 21 three-time Paralympians, 42 two-time Paralympians, 63 one-time Paralympians and 78 athletes making their Paralympic debut.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to lead this incredible group of 225 athletes in Paris this summer,” said Julie Dussliere, USOPC chief of Paralympics. “The Paralympic Games offer an unparalleled opportunity for the world to witness the incredible power of the Movement by showcasing the highest level of sport competition that impacts society changing attitudes and perceptions of disability. Each U.S. athlete has demonstrated relentless determination in the pursuit of their dreams, and it is a privilege to support them on their journey to captivate fans across the globe with their achievements.”
Headlining the Paris squad with multiple medals is 29-time Paralympic medalist Jessica Long (swimming) who has secured 16 gold medals over her career and remains the second most decorated U.S. Paralympian of all time. Six-time Paralympian Tatyana McFadden (track and field) enters the Paris Games with a record 20 Paralympic medals with the chance to make history as the most winning American for track and field should she top another podium.
Oksana Masters (Para-cycling) has recorded 18 total podium appearances among three sports (Summer and Winter combined) as she looks to repeat double gold in road cycling. McKenzie Coan (swimming) and Kendall Gretsch (paratriathlon) boast six apiece, while David Wagner (wheelchair tennis) leads all American men with eight Paralympic medals.
There are three six-time Paralympians on the roster: Masters, McFadden and Tahl Leibovitz (table tennis).
The 2024 team features more than 50% of U.S. Paralympians who competed collegiately as part of their journey to Team USA. The USOPC and NCAA Office of Inclusion launched paracollegesport.com, an online resource dedicated to supporting collegiate sports for adaptive athletes. The initiative is derived from the USOPC/NCAA Para-college Inclusion Project launched in 2021.
“We are filled with pride to unveil the Team USA athletes of the who will represent the United States at the Paralympic Games in Paris this summer,” said USOPC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland. “We eagerly anticipate the extraordinary moments and awe-inspiring Paralympic competition that lies ahead and we can’t wait for Team USA to show the world what they can do.”
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