The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris brought together nearly 4,400 athletes from around 180 countries, featuring 549 medal events across 22 sports. This monumental celebration of adaptive sports showcased not only incredible athleticism but also the transformative power of inclusion and innovation.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) proudly stood as a world leader in empowering adaptive athletes to reach this global stage. Of the Team USA athletes competing, an impressive 127 (58%) were past CAF grantees, demonstrating the organization’s longstanding commitment to breaking barriers and fueling dreams.

CAF’s Legacy on the Global Stage 

“CAF has been a part of the journey for many of these Paralympians for years, and their participation on the world stage has been a source of pride for the entire CAF family,” said Bob Babbitt, CAF Co-Founder. “An even greater impact is the inspiration these athletes provide to the next generation of athletes with disabilities who will follow in their footsteps.” 

Gold-Medal Moments 

• Cycling: Oksana Masters made history with two gold medals, while Samantha Bosco secured another gold. Australian CAF athlete Lauren Parker added gold and silver in cycling, plus a gold in paratriathlon.

• Paratriathlon: Haley Danz, Grace Norman, and Chris Hammer all captured gold, with Mohammed Lahna, Kendall Gretch, and Carson Clough earning silver, and Alyssa Seely and Mark Barr adding bronze medals.

• Para Athletics: Rising star Ezra Frech stunned the competition with two gold medals, while Derek Loccident soared to two silver medals in high jump and long jump. Daniel Romanchuk added a gold in the 5000M and bronze in the 400M, and Hunter Woodhall celebrated his first gold medal in the 400M and a bronze in the relay.

CAF-supported female athletes also made waves, with Beatriz Hatz, Tatyana McFadden, Arelle Middleton, and Annie Carey delivering record-setting and podium-worthy performances across multiple track and field events.

Record-Breaking Swimming and Team Sports 

Team USA swimmers Jessica Long, Morgan Stickney, Mallory Weggemann, and Olivia Chambers each captured gold medals, with Noah Jaffe earning silver. In other sports, Evan Medell took silver in Taekwondo.

In team events:

• Chuck Aoki and Zion Reddington led the Men’s Wheelchair Rugby team to a silver medal.

• Bailey Moody and Courtney Ryan contributed to the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team’s silver.

• Captain Steve Serio and the Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team secured their third consecutive gold, while Nikki Nieves and Bethany Zummo helped the Women’s Sitting Volleyball team achieve the same remarkable feat.

Beyond the Podium 

Not all victories are measured in medals. CAF-supported athletes like Trenten Merrill, Justin Phongsavanh, Kym Crosby, Owen Cravens, Jamie Whitmore, Eric McElvenny, and Desmond Jackson delivered exceptional performances that showcased courage, perseverance, and athletic excellence.

Looking Ahead: The Road to LA 2028 

The 2024 Games were a historic milestone for CAF athletes, but this is only the beginning. With the 2028 Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles, CAF is committed to expanding its reach, providing more grants, clinics, and mentorship to ensure the next generation of adaptive athletes has the support they need to compete and inspire on the world stage.