When the world turned its attention to Tokyo starting August 24, 2021, it wasn’t just a showcase of elite competition—it was a celebration of resilience, grit, and the power of sport to transform lives. For the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), this moment held even deeper meaning. 

More than 55% of Team USA athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics have received support from CAF at some point in their athletic journey. Over the last 16 years, CAF has provided more than $750,000 in grants to 128 Team USA athletes, in addition to support for many international athletes. From first-time Paralympians to multi-medal veterans, CAF has proudly stood behind these trailblazers. 

“This summer in Tokyo will showcase the power of the human spirit,” said CAF Co-Founder Bob Babbitt. “The athletic performances we’ll witness will change perceptions of what’s humanly possible. Just as important, they’ll inspire the next generation of challenged athletes watching closely from home.” 

Legends Return to the Podium 

Among the decorated athletes returning to Tokyo was Rudy Garcia-Tolson, CAF’s first-ever youth grant recipient. Now a five-time Paralympic medalist in swimming, Rudy came out of retirement to compete once again, showing that the spirit of competition and the CAF community are lifelong. 

Will Groulx, another multi-sport CAF athlete, returned for his fifth Paralympic Games. With medals in both wheelchair rugby and paracycling, his legacy as a fierce competitor continues to grow. 

Oksana Masters, one of the most versatile athletes in Paralympic history, also took the stage. A past recipient of CAF grants, Oksana has competed in both the Summer and Winter Games, earning medals in cross-country skiing, biathlon, rowing, and cycling. 

Other returning CAF-supported athletes included: 

• Bethany Zummo, a gold medalist in sitting volleyball from the 2016 Rio Games. 

• Femita Ayanbeku, aiming to become the fastest female amputee sprinter in the world. 

• David Wagner, a tennis powerhouse who has competed in the last four Paralympic Games. 

• Kym Crosby and Erik Hightower, a powerhouse couple representing Team USA in track and field and wheelchair racing, respectively. 

Meet the CAF Athletes Making Their Paralympic Debut 

CAF doesn’t just support established athletes—it helps build the next generation. These Paralympians making their first-ever appearance in Tokyo exemplify CAF’s mission of empowering individuals through sport. 

Haven Shepherd – Swimming 

Physical Disability: Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee
Adopted from Vietnam after surviving a tragic family suicide attempt that cost her both legs and her parents, Haven found hope and healing through sport. Supported by CAF since age 11, she’s now a U.S. Paralympic swimmer making waves on the world stage. 

Justin Phongsavanh – Track & Field (Javelin) 

Physical Disability: Paraplegia
Justin became paraplegic after a random act of violence left him with a spinal cord injury. Not only does he hold the world record in seated javelin, he’s also served as a CAF mentor and coach, giving back to a community that helped him rise.

Eric McElvenny – Triathlon 

Physical Disability: Single Below-Knee Amputee
A former Marine and member of CAF’s Operation Rebound, Eric lost his leg in Afghanistan and used sport to recover and rebuild. He’s completed the IRONMAN World Championships and now makes his Paralympic debut in triathlon. 

Courtney Ryan – Wheelchair Basketball 

Physical Disability: Paraplegia
After a life-altering blood clot at age 19, Courtney turned to wheelchair basketball, where she’s become a top competitor. CAF has supported her journey through equipment and travel grants, helping her reach this global stage. 

Jamal Hill – Swimming 

Physical Disability: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Diagnosed with CMT after experiencing early paralysis, Jamal has fought to become one of the world’s top swimmers. A grant recipient and mission-driven advocate, he’s also pledged to teach one million children to swim, helping others find safety and confidence in the water. 

Watch & Read: CAF Paralympians in Action 

CAF athletes not only competed—they inspired millions. Their stories were shared across media outlets, social platforms, and streaming services throughout the Games. 

• Watch Videos of CAF athletes sharing their journey and training moments on CAF’s YouTube channel. 

• Read Articles featuring interviews, news coverage, and highlights of CAF-supported Paralympians. 

• From Sled Hockey to Nordic Skiing – Josh Sweeney and Lera Doederlein’s Paths to Beijing 

• Cancer, drugs, then losing legs: This Utahn’s road to the Paralympics hasn’t been easy 

• From Tragedy to Triumph: Paralympic Hopeful is Overcoming and Inspiring 

• 45-year-old, blind triathlete from Encinitas heads to Paralympics in Tokyo 

• Paralympic Power Couple Getting Ready for Tokyo Paralympic Games 

• Pursuing Excellence in Parallel: World Class Paralympic Athletes 

• While training for the Tokyo Paralympics, my biggest triumph came in the locker room 

• Boise’s Sortino coaching Team USA in 2020 Paralympic Games 

• Melissa Stockwell: From Wounded Veteran To Paratriathlon Star 

• Relive the Events with archived event schedules and performance recaps from each sport. 

While the Tokyo Games have passed, their impact lives on. 

Why This Matters: Beyond the Medals 

CAF’s support is about more than athletic achievement. It’s about identity, inclusion, and possibility. When these athletes compete in Tokyo, they’re not only going for gold—they’re showing young people with physical challenges what’s possible with the right support and community behind them. 

The Paralympics remind us all that ability is not defined by limitation, and CAF is proud to be part of that journey—for every athlete, every event, and every breakthrough. 

As Bob Babbitt says, “The greatest impact is not just the athletes on the field today, but the ones watching who will become tomorrow’s champions.”