Day 2 of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris was packed with action and notable performances from Team USA, particularly in para swimming and other key events.
Medal Highlights: American Success Across the Board
Day 2 saw American athletes on the podium in various events, notably para swimming:
Gia Pergolini: Gold in Women’s 100m Backstroke - S13
Ellie Marks: Silver in Women’s 200m Individual Medley - SM6
Abbas Karimi, Ellie Marks, Zach Shattuck, and Leanne Smith: Silver in Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay - 20 points
In addition, Korban Best earned a silver medal in para athletics in the Men's 100m - T47.
Wheelchair Basketball: Strong Start for Team USA
The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team continued their dominant run, with a standout performance against a Germa squad that led to a convincing win. Next, they face a challenging match against the Netherlands, a game that could prove crucial in their quest for a medal.
Women's Sitting Volleyball: A Close Contest with China
The U.S. women's sitting volleyball team, aiming for a third consecutive gold medal, faced a tough match against China. The U.S. claimed the first set, but China rallied back to take the next three, making. The rivalry between these two teams is well-known, with China having defeated the U.S. in pool play during the last two Paralympics, only for the Americans to exact revenge in the bracket round each time. This match added another chapter to their storied rivalry, leaving fans eager to see how the tournament will unfold.
Competing in her sixth Paralympic Games, the multi-medal winner Lora Webster expressed confidence in her team’s ability to regroup and refine their strategy.
“China played a great game. We didn’t so much, so although we played well, we didn’t play to our level. So walking out of that, we know that there are things that are in our control to fix, so it’s all on us, and that’s a really great place to be.”
The US squad now looks ahead to their next match against the host nation, France, where they will seek to bounce back from this early challenge.
Wheelchair Rugby: A Tough Loss for Team USA
In wheelchair rugby, Team USA narrowly lost to Japan in a thrilling match. Despite the setback, the team remains determined to push forward in the competition, facing Germany in their next pool play game.
Looking Ahead
As the Paralympic Games continue, American athletes are showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit across all sports. From the volleyball court to the swimming pool, and from the track to the rugby court, Team USA is proving to be a formidable force in Paris.
How to Watch
Catch all the action from the Paralympic Games on NBC, Peacock, and the NBC Sports app. Live streams and highlights are also available on the Paralympic Games YouTube channel. For the full competition schedule, visit Olympics.com.