USA Wheelchair Rugby is the most decorated Paralympic wheelchair rugby program in history and the only wheelchair rugby program to medal at every Paralympic Games since the sport was added to the event roster in Sydney 2000. After silver medal performances at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the U.S. is looking to make it to the top of the podium for the first time since Beijing 2008. The team will be led by co-captains and multi-time Paralympic medalists Chuck Aoki and Eric Newby.
With six returning and six first time Paralympians, Team USA brings a powerful mix of talent to the court. The history making roster notably includes the first female athlete to ever be named to the US Wheelchair Rugby team, Sarah Adam. United States Head Coach Joe Delagrave is making his Games coaching debut but is certainly no stranger to the Paralympics. Prior to his 2021 sport retirement, Delagrave was a two-time medalist in wheelchair rugby in London and Tokyo.
The wheelchair rugby competition in Paris is anticipated to deliver some of the most exciting matches in the sports’ history. Nearly sold out for every session with 95% of tickets sold to date, Champ de Mars Arena will feature eight nations with strong resumes; a not to be missed competition. Team USA opens pool play against Canada on August 29th, Japan on August 30th, and Germany August 31st. Pool play matches will set up crossovers ahead of the medal rounds and gold medal final on Monday, September 2nd.
For daily scores, stats and highlights visit usawr.org.
Athletes to Watch:
Chuck Aoki makes history as the first four-time U.S. Paralympian in the sport of wheelchair rugby, previously competing and medaling at the London 2012 (bronze), Rio 2016 (silver) and Tokyo 2020 (silver) Games. In addition to his Paralympic appearances, Aoki’s 16 consecutive seasons with Team USA, the most of any athlete, have also earned him four world championship medals (2010 gold, 2014 bronze, 2018 bronze, 2022 silver) and three Parapan American medals (2015 silver, 2019 gold, 2023 gold).
Sarah Adam makes history as the first woman named to the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team. An assistant professor at St. Louis University, Adam began playing wheelchair rugby in 2019. She made her international debut at the Americas Championship in 2022 where the team won gold and later that year won a silver medal at the world championships. In 2023, she was part of the gold medal winning Parapan American Games team that secured USA Wheelchair rugby a spot for Paris 2024. She also became the first American woman to win Parapan American Games gold in wheelchair rugby.
Lee Fredette is part of the core group of U.S. athletes who has the titles of two-time Paralympic silver medalist (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) two-time world championship medalist (2018 bronze, 2022 silver) and three-time Parapan American Games medalist (2015 silver, 2019 gold, 2023 gold). As a stand-out low pointer, Fredette received Best in Class honors at the Paris 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby Cup.
Eric Newby also brings a wealth of experience and hardware to the team. From his international debut at the 2013 Americas Zone Championship, Newby’s career includes two Paralympic silver medals (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), two world championship medals (2014 bronze, 2022 silver) and three Parapan American Games medals (2015 silver, 2019 gold, 2023 gold). The father of two also has a U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA) National Championship with the Denver Harlequins on his resume.
Zion Redington at just 18-years-old, is the youngest athlete on the 2024 roster. Redington started playing at age 8 and by his teens was a top contender for the national training squad. With just one year of international competition under his belt, he has already gained experience at the 2023 Paris International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, 2024 Musholm Cup and a gold medal from the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.
For inquiries: Jen Allred - jena@lakeshore.org
