Wheelchair Rugby: USA Triumphs Over Germany and Great Britain, Advancing to Gold Medal Match
Post a narrow loss to Japan, Team USA regained their momentum on Day 3, overcoming Germany in a thrilling match at the Champs-de-Mars arena. While this victory didn't automatically secure their spot in the final phase, Japan's later win over Canada sealed the deal for the Americans. Two-time Paralympic silver medalist Jeff Butler shared his thoughts:
“We definitely went out and had a few miscues early in the Germany game that we just played, but I think toward the end really locked in and showed what this team is capable of… We know the opponents that we might be crossing over against. We’ve played them before, beaten them before. They’ve beaten us before. Whatever we end up with is going to be competitive and exciting, but we’re confident that we can weather the storm and take whatever they can throw at us.”
On Sunday, the team edged out Great Britain in the semi-finals, earning a shot at the gold medal against Japan — their only defeat of the tournament — on Monday, September 2. If they win, it will be Team USA's first gold since the 2008 Beijing Games.
Wheelchair Basketball: Men Dominate, Women Face Challenges
No one can match the legacy of Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball. Gunning for their 8th Paralympic gold, the team cruised past the Netherlands on Day 3 and followed it up with a solid victory over Australia on Day 4, securing their spot in the quarter-finals. When asked if the team feels any pressure to win, veteran Paul Schulte responded:
“No, honestly, because… there’s no entitlement. We don’t expect anything. We don’t expect anyone to give anything to us, and every game plan, every effort, the way the starters support the rest of the guys, and the way the rest of the guys support the starters, it’s a brotherhood. And so we know we won’t be given anything, so we work hard for everything.”
On the women’s side, Team USA took a hit against the Netherlands, bringing them to 1-1 in pool play. With one game left against a winless Japan, their quarter-final seed is still up in the air.
Women’s Sitting Volleyball: USA Dominates Host Nation France
In a spectacular performance, Team USA crushed France, despite the host nation's passionate fans cheering them on enthusiastically until the final point. The upcoming match against Italy will determine if the American women advance to the semi-finals on September 5.
Medal Haul for USA in Para Athletics and Swimming
As expected, Team USA showed up strong in para athletics and swimming, racking up medals over the weekend in Paris.
Saturday, August 31 — Para Athletics Medalists
Saturday, August 31 — Para Swimming Medalists
Sunday, September 1 — Para Athletics Medalists
More USA Medals in Para Rowing, Cycling Track, Taekwondo, and Archery
Elouan Gardon secured a bronze in the Men's C5 4000m Individual Pursuit at the Vélodrome Para Cycling Track. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Paris, the US para rowing team claimed silver in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four race.
In the Men’s K44 +80kg Para Taekwondo, Evan Medell took home bronze after defeating Senegal’s Idrissa Keita, following a semi-final loss to Neutral Paralympic Athlete Aliaskhab Ramazanov.
The USA’s para archers also shone brightly, with Jason Tabansky and Matt Stutzman both winning gold. Stutzman even set a new Paralympic record with a score of 149 in the Men’s Individual Compound Open.
Paris 2024 Medal Count
The USA wraps up the weekend second in the overall medal count and fourth in gold medals, trailing behind China, Brazil, and Uzbekistan.
Keep cheering on these phenomenal athletes as they chase their dreams and go for gold!
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.