These episodes devoted to the leading countries of the Paralympic Games end with the United States, first at the Paralympic Games from 1976 to 1996. They have since given up first place to China. Only fourth in Tokyo, the Americans are back on the podium this time in Paris, but remain far behind the Chinese. Less dominant than at the Olympic Games, particularly in athletics, the United States remains the best in wheelchair basketball for both women and men, who will try to win an 8th title this September 7 against Great Britain.
This article is the sixth in a series on the leading countries of Paralympic Games.
A “Dream Team” style team aiming for a third consecutive title and who put on a show for Joshua, NBA jersey on his back. A wheelchair basketball enthusiast, not disappointed with the trip, even if the Americans did not spare the French this summer at the Games: ” They gave us a hard time in the Olympics, but also in the Paralympics. That’s a lot and I think they’re going to win tonight. »
“Wheelchair basketball, a very precise sport”
A winning prediction: 80-43 victory in the semi-final against Canada. Under the eyes of two brothers, Roland and François: one is French, the other American. François the Frenchman has lived in Virginia for over 30 years and is discovering wheelchair basketball: ” I am happy for the United States, it is a very specific sport and it is growing where I live. There are many clubs with many activities reserved for young people with disabilities, whether physical or mental. France has done a great job and I hope we can do it in Los Angeles too. »
Los Angeles, a city that Brian Bell knows very well. The best American scorer, 31 points against the Canadiens, returned to play in a club in California and savors his great performance: ” I feel great, the job is done. The team is highly anticipated, because we have won a lot of things. I was injured at the age of 10, a train ran over my leg. Two years later, I started playing wheelchair basketball in Alabama, and later, I played professionally abroad. Our sport is growing in the United States, even if it is more popular and structured in Europe. They have sponsors and professional leagues. »
“We came for the gold…”
Paradoxical, because the United States dominates the European teams, but basketballOlympic or Paralympic, is a serious matter. Steve Serio, captain and flag bearer of the delegation, is aiming for a third consecutive title: ” We came, men and women, for gold in front of this incredible crowd in Paris. Basketball means everything to our country. This sport gave me confidence, gave me a work ethic, gave me structure. It made me the player, teammate and leader I am today. »
And while the United States may not dominate the Paralympic rankings like they do in the Olympics, wheelchair basketball remains the preserve of the Americans: ” Wheelchair basketball has been around in our country since the end of World War II. We’ve had decades to develop this sport. It’s a sport that is very much linked to the military, there’s actually a military division, which used to exist during the Paralympic Games. And we’re very happy to work with them to make our Olympic dream come true.. »
The US Army has developed a sports rehabilitation program; 16 athletes in the delegation are military personnel. A delegation that will try to return to the forefront in Los Angeles in 2028.
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