After two weeks of competition among the world’s top athletes with physical disabilities, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) celebrates the extraordinary power of the human spirit displayed during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

More than 55% of Team USA athletes received support from CAF somewhere along their athletic journey. Over the past 16 years alone, CAF has invested $750,000 to support 128 Team USA athletes, with additional funding provided to international competitors. This backing has given athletes access to adaptive sports equipment, training, coaching, and travel funding—the tools they need to perform at the highest level.

“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 to developing the next generation of Paralympic athletes.”

Gold, Silver, and Bronze: Team CAF’s Standout Moments

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is one of the fastest and most dynamic Paralympic sports, requiring speed, precision shooting, and exceptional teamwork.

CAF ambassador and Team Captain Steve Serio led Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball to its second consecutive gold medal, showcasing resilience and leadership. Meanwhile, CAF’s Courtney Ryan and her teammates on the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team secured bronze, continuing USA’s strong legacy in the sport.

Sitting Volleyball

Sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court with a lower net, demanding quick reflexes and seamless coordination.

Bethany Zummo and Team USA Women’s Sitting Volleyball dominated the competition, defeating China to win gold and repeat as Paralympic champions. This marked the fourth consecutive final between these two nations, cementing a fierce rivalry.

Wheelchair Rugby

Known as “murderball,” wheelchair rugby combines elements of basketball, handball, and rugby. It’s fast-paced and full-contact, testing strength and strategy.

CAF athletes Joe Delagrave and Kory Puderbaugh powered Team USA to a silver medal finish. Reflecting on the journey, Delagrave shared:

“We set the goal to win, but more importantly, to win in the relationships being built along the way.”

Goalball

Goalball is a Paralympic sport specifically for athletes with vision impairments. Teams attempt to throw a ball with bells into the opponent’s net while relying on sound and communication for defense.

CAF grant recipient Eliana Mason helped Team USA earn a silver medal, scoring one of the team’s two goals in a tightly contested final.

Para-Cycling

Paralympic cycling features athletes competing on handcycles, tricycles, or tandem bikes depending on classification. Races include both time trials and road races, demanding endurance and precision handling.

CAF’s Oksana Masters, a five-time Paralympian, delivered a historic performance—winning two gold medals and becoming the most decorated female athlete on Team USA with 10 career medals across Summer and Winter Games.

CAF Women’s Adaptive Cycling Team members Alicia Dana and Jill Walsh also earned bronze medals, while veteran handcyclist Will Groulx fought through a crash to finish fourth. Jamie Whitmore and Morocco’s Mohamed Lahna showed impressive determination, both achieving strong finishes despite late qualification notices.

Track & Field

Track and field includes sprinting, distance running, long jump, and throwing events. Athletes compete in specialized prosthetics or racing wheelchairs, pushing the limits of speed and power.

Making his Paralympic debut, Justin Phongsavanh won bronze in the seated Men’s Javelin Throw, while Trenten Merrill captured another bronze in the Men’s Long Jump. CAF-supported athletes Kym Crosby-Hightower, Hunter Woodhall, and Deja Young all showcased world-class talent, reaching finals in their respective events.

Para-Swimming

Para-swimming features multiple classifications that level competition for athletes with varying physical challenges. It requires strength, endurance, and advanced technique.

Five-time Paralympian Jessica Long added to her legendary career with three medals—gold in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley, silver in the 400m Freestyle, and bronze in the 100m Backstroke. First-time Paralympian Jamal Hill secured bronze in the Men’s 50m Freestyle, and Sophia Herzog also brought home bronze in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke.

CAF athlete Haven Shephard made an impressive debut with a top-5 finish, and Rudy Garcia-Tolson—CAF’s first-ever youth grant recipient—came out of retirement to finish sixth in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke.

Para Triathlon

Para triathlon combines swimming, cycling, and running (or wheelchair racing/handcycling), challenging athletes’ endurance across multiple disciplines.

CAF’s Operation Rebound athletes excelled: Eric McElvenny (6th) and Jamie Brown (9th) placed in the top ten, while Amy Dixon crossed the finish line triumphantly after battling significant medical setbacks. Grace Norman and Lauren Parker both claimed silver medals in their respective categories.

CAF’s Lasting Impact

CAF’s support spans far beyond Tokyo—providing the equipment, coaching, and resources that allow athletes to pursue their Paralympic dreams. From youth athletes just starting out to seasoned multi-sport champions like Oksana Masters, our mission remains clear: to help athletes with physical challenges reach their full potential.

CAF is proud to partner with Nike, Toyota, and Bridgestone, whose support helps us build a pathway from first grant to Paralympic podium.

Support the Future of Paralympic Dreams

Join us in fueling the next generation of champions. Your contribution to CAF helps provide adaptive sports equipment, coaching, and opportunities for athletes worldwide—ensuring the journey doesn’t end in Tokyo but continues to Paris, Los Angeles, and beyond.