The Paralympic Games used to be one of the top events that not many people knew about or watched. Now it has evolved into a can’t-miss event that features thousands of athletes with a physical disability across the world. It seems like there are always new Paralympic athletes who steal the spotlight at every event. We’ve taken a look at some of the most impressive athletes to watch out for this summer at the Paralympic Games.
Oksana Masters
Oksana Masters is a Ukrainian-American Paralympic who has had great success and continues to strive for even more. In her previous Paralympic Games, she won two gold medals and five overall. She has medaled in Nordic skiing and rowing and is now looking to medal in cycling. Her adaptability after recovering from a fractured elbow in her previous games shows how resilient she is and should be a fun athlete to watch this year.
David Brown
David Brown hasn’t let his blindness hinder his ability to compete at the highest levels. He previously won the 100m race in the Rio Paralympic Games and has two other 100m titles. He broke 11 seconds in the race and is the first blind athlete to do so. Look for Brown to make some more noise in the Summer Paralympic Games this year.
Allysa Seely
Allysa Seely made her triathlon debut in the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016. She has since medaled in the world championships from 2017-2019. Her impressive track record leaves no doubt that she will be a name to watch this year.
Chuck Aoki
Wheelchair rugby is one of the most popular events at the Paralympic Games, and Chuck Aoki is the star for the United States. Formerly a wheelchair basketball athlete, Aoki has focused on wheelchair rugby for the past 15 years and is seeking his first gold medal in the event. He has previously won the bronze and silver in the event in 2012 and 2016, respectively, and he appears primed to take the next step forward this year.
Jessica Long
Jessica Long has won a total of 23 Paralympic medals in her decorated career and is constantly looking for ways to improve. After making her debut at age 12 in 2004, she has consistently won world titles and Paralympic medals. She expressed disappointment following the Rio Games in 2016 after winning six total medals, so expect some impressive performances from Long this year in Tokyo.
It’s hard to fully appreciate the talent Paralympic athletes have until you watch them compete at the highest levels. We will be tuned in at Next Day Access, so contact us if you want to talk about some of the most impressive Paralympic athletes you see this year.
