After a breathtaking opening ceremony in Paris, the 17th Summer Paralympic Games have officially kicked off, promising eleven days of heart-pounding action and inspiration. The excitement is already in full swing, with 4,400 athletes competing across 22 sports. Here are the standout moments from Day 1!
Wheelchair Rugby: Team USA vs Team Canada
History was made on the wheelchair rugby court as Team USA's Sarah Adam became the first female athlete to compete with the squad at the Paralympic Games. Dubbed “Murderball” for its intense and aggressive play, wheelchair rugby has been a fan favorite since its debut in Sydney 2000.
Adam didn't just make history by playing — she dominated, scoring six tries in a nail-biting pool play match against Team Canada. The clash was fierce, but Team USA emerged victorious with a 51-48 win, marking a powerful start to their campaign. When asked how she feels about being the first female athlete to represent Team USA Wheelchair Rugby, she replied:
"It’s truly phenomenal. Right now, women in sports is growing, and to be a little part of that story is amazing, and to do it with these teammates. This team is truly special, and I’m honored to be a part of it."
Next up for Team USA: a high-stakes showdown against Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, Japan, on August 31. Don’t miss it!
Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Starts Strong with Win Against Spain
The quest for a third consecutive Paralympic gold is underway, and Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team launched their campaign in style with a commanding victory over Spain. In a packed Bercy Arena, the atmosphere was electric as fans roared "USA, USA!" throughout the contest.
The U.S. men led every quarter, ultimately securing a 66-56 win against a determined Spanish side. This triumph sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament as Team USA eyes an unprecedented three-peat.
Stay tuned as this powerhouse team continues its journey toward Paralympic history!
Team USA Para Swimmers Make Waves with Three Silver Medals
The U.S. Para Swimming team made a splash on Day 1, with three athletes claiming silver medals in their respective events.
Ellie Marks took silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S6, finishing just behind China's Yuyan Jiang, who set a new Paralympic record.
Christie Raleigh-Crossley, a mother of three and former NCAA All-American, also earned silver in the Women’s 50m Freestyle S10, narrowly edged out by a world record-breaking performance from China's Yi Chen.
Grace Nuhfer added another silver to Team USA's tally in the Women’s 100m Butterfly S13, while her teammate Olivia Chambers finished a commendable 5th.
These athletes will be competing in multiple events throughout the Games, so keep an eye out for more podium finishes!
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.