Current:Home > MarketsPara badminton duo wins silver for USA's first Paralympic medal in sport -WealthMindset
Para badminton duo wins silver for USA's first Paralympic medal in sport
View
Date:2025-04-13 15:42:31
PARIS — It has been quite a trip to the Paralympics for USA para badminton duo Jayci Simon and Miles Krajewski.
The duo was delayed leaving Atlanta due to mechanical issues, generating a travel nightmare. The delays persisted once they arrived in Paris. Match time reshuffling ‒ including the doubles semifinal match that didn’t start until 10 p.m. local time on Saturday ‒ made the tournament hectic, to say the least.
Both played six matches in three days, but the seventh match is one they won’t soon forget.
Simon and Krajewski persisted through the tumultuous schedule to earn silver in mixed doubles SH6, falling to China’s Naili Lin and Fengmei Li, 2-0. The medal is the first ever for the United States and the Pan American region in the Paralympics since para badminton ‒ a sport traditionally dominated by athletes from Asian countries ‒ was introduced in 2020 .
"I think nobody expected us to come in and get a silver medal or play in the finals match, but deep down we knew that we had a chance to win it all," Krajewski said. "So we came out here, played our best and we ended up in the finals."
2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.
Rolling with the punches became the duo's mantra for the tournament in SH6, the classification for those of short stature. The punches didn’t stop when the two took Court No. 1 inside Porte de La Chapelle Arena.
Lin and Li rank as the No. 5 duo internationally, and showed their skill from the start of the match. Leading by as many as eight, China took the first set 21-14 before taking the second set 21-12.
Going into the final against an intimidating opponent, there was no tension for the Americans.
"We knew that we were the underdogs and our goal was just to – well get out of group, that was our first goal and then to get to the gold medal match," Simon said. "So we achieved both of those so we were able to play a little bit looser knowing that we were the underdogs and just to give it our all."
The two 19-year-olds hope the silver medal can help them in future Paralympic competitions. But before they worry about the next Games, there will be time for celebration and rest.
Both Simon and Krajewski said the next few months will be lighter as they head back to college as Paralympic medalists.
"Very few make it to this stage and the gold medal match," Simon said. "Even though it's been in our mind, it's still just as amazing – even more amazing than what we dreamed about."
Growing the sport back home
Badminton, especially the Paralympic version, is not a sport with huge popularity in the U.S. Krajewski and Simon hope that Monday’s medal can help change that.
Abhishek Ahlawat, a member of the U.S. para badminton coaching staff, works at Frisco Badminton Academy in Texas, where the duo trains. Ahlawat also hopes to grow the sport, which the medal may help do.
"I hope that it creates more funding for us and also grows the sport," Simon said. "Not only the para level but also able-bodied as well."
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
veryGood! (162)
Related
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- The Voice Preview: See Blake Shelton Hit His Buzzer for the Last Time on Season 23
- In France, some protests against increased retirement age turn violent
- Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval Breaks Silence on Ariana Madix Split
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Pregnant The Ultimatum Star April Marie Reveals Sex of First Baby With Cody Cooper
- Emma Heming Willis Shares Heartwarming Throwback Video of Her Biggest Fan Bruce Willis
- Senate advances bill to repeal Iraq war authorizations in bipartisan vote
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Matthew Lawrence Gushes About Relationship With Amazing Chilli After Cheryl Burke Divorce
Ranking
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Transcript: John Kirby on Face the Nation, March 26, 2023
- Why Women Everywhere Trust Jessica Alba's Honest Company
- Earthquake in Ecuador and Peru kills at least 14, causes widespread damage
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- How Alexandra Xandra Pohl Is Taking Over TikTok, One Relatable Video at a Time
- Chelsea Houska Reveals How Daughter Aubree Found True Confidence On and Off Camera
- Transcript: Neel Kashkari on Face the Nation, March 26, 2023
Recommendation
Small twin
Earthquake in Ecuador and Peru kills at least 14, causes widespread damage
How Survivor 44's Bloody Season Premiere Made Show History
Neckties, long shunned in Iran as a sign of Westernization, are making a timid comeback
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Charli D'Amelio Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at 2023 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
Saudi Arabia frees American imprisoned over tweets criticizing kingdom's crown prince, American's son says
Extension reached for Black Sea grain deal