SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After two weeks of competition among the world’s top athletes with physical disabilities, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) celebrates the power of the human spirit that was showcased during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Over 55% of the Team USA athletes received support from CAF somewhere along their athletic journey and over the past 16 years, $750,000 has been funded across 128 Team USA athletes plus more funding for international athletes. After a year-long delay, Team CAF athletes competed in Tokyo to show the world what’s possible when individuals with physical challenges have access to adaptive sports equipment, training, coaching and travel expense funding.
“Every Paralympian has a unique story of overcoming adversity and these games were the pinnacle of their athletic achievement,” said Bob Babbitt, Co-Founder of CAF. “CAF is honored to play an integral part in their journey and we remain dedicated in developing the next generation of Paralympic athletes.”
Some exceptional athletic performances by Team USA athletes include CAF ambassador and Team Captain, Steve Serio who led Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team to victory securing their second consecutive gold medal.
Bethany Zummo and the Team USA Women's Sitting Volleyball team also took home the gold after defeating China in the final match to repeat as Paralympic champions. It was the fourth straight time the two nations have met in the gold medal game.
In Men’s Wheelchair Rugby, CAF’s Joe Delagrave and Kory Puderbaugh helped earn the silver medal with their team. “The past 5 years have been an absolute joy for me,” said Delagrave. “We set the goal to win, but more importantly to win in the relationships being built along the way.
CAF’s Courtney Ryan and her teammates on the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team earned the bronze medal and in Goalball, grant recipient Eliana Mason of Team USA scored one of two goals to bring home the silver medal.
Para-Cycling
Five-time Paralympian Oksana Masters dominated in both the time trial and road race winning herself two gold medals in her fourth sport, making her the most decorated female athlete on Team USA with 10 total medals. Oksana has competed in a number of both Summer and Winter Games and is on the CAF Women’s Adaptive Cycling Team with Alicia Dana and Jill Walsh who both earned bronze medals in the road race in their respective categories. Handcyclist, Will Groulx returned for his fifth competition (with medals already in both wheelchair rugby and paracycling) securing fourth place after he endured a crash on course. With just two weeks’ notice, Jamie Whitmore sprang into action and finished 7th in Road Race and 8th in the Time Trial while Morocco’s Mohamed Lahna had a strong showing his first time out as a Paralympic cyclist.
Track & Field
Making his Paralympic debut, CAF High School Adaptive Sports Program coach and mentor Justin Phongsavanh secured the bronze in the seated Men’s Javelin throw while his San Diego roommate and amputee, Trenten Merrill also brought home the bronze, in the Men’s Long Jump. “I’ve been praying a long time for this moment,” said Trenten. Track athletes Kym Crosby-Hightower, Hunter Woodhall, Deja Young joined the bronze medalists in their events.
Para-Swimming
On the final day of the swimming competition, 5-time Paralympian Jessica Long won Gold in Women's 200m Individual Medley to add to her silver in Women's 400m Freestyle and the bronze in Women's 100m Backstroke. First-time Paralympian, Jamal Hill won a bronze medal in Men's 50m Freestyle and Sophia Herzog won a bronze medal in Women's 100m Breaststroke. Haven Shephard started her Paralympic debut with 5th place in the Women’s 200m Medley and has been supported by CAF since she was 11 years old. Rudy Garcia-Tolson, the first youth athlete CAF ever supported, came out of retirement to a 6th place finish in the 100m Breaststroke.
Para Triathlon
CAF’s Operation Rebound was well-represented with Eric McElvenny (6th) and Jamie Brown (9th) of Colorado finishing in the top ten while Amy Dixon of San Diego, CA was overcome by emotions crossing the finish line after a big year of medical setbacks. Grace Norman and Lauren Parker earned silver medals in their categories.
CAF is proud to partner with Nike, Toyota and Bridgestone who support our efforts to help adaptive athletes realize their dreams from youth athletes to Paralympians.
For a complete Media Guide of CAF Paralympic athletes with bios, images and video please click here: CAF Paralympic Press Kit
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $134 million has been raised and over 35,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and over 70 countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts impact another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.
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