In the air of the historic La Chapelle Arena, nestled in the heart of northern Paris, the echoes of shuttlecocks hitting the ground resonate. It’s the echo of hope, perseverance, and a shared dream between two young Americans with their eyes set on Paralympic gold. Phil Krajewski and Emma Simon, both 19, have stormed onto the international para-badminton stage with an energy that only rivals their remarkable on-court chemistry.

On Thursday, under the arena’s bright lights, this promising duo showcased why they are seen as the trailblazers of American Paralympic badminton. Moving in perfect harmony and needing no words, they overpowered the Indian pair with scores of 23-21 and 21-11, taking the first step toward a potential historic milestone: the first badminton medal for the United States in the Paralympic Games.

To reach the semifinals in the SH6 mixed doubles category, which includes players of short stature, Krajewski and Simon must finish among the top two in their group. After this resounding victory against India and, on the other side of the coin, the fall against Thai tandem, everything hinges on the upcoming clash between Thailand and India. A Thai loss would complicate their path, but it wouldn’t extinguish their dream of a medal depending on the standings. “Our coach taught us that when we play, we are one,” Simon said, her smile reflecting confidence and determination. “That approach has paid off, and we’re more in sync than ever.”

Both players also compete in the individual categories, but the focus is on the destiny of the competition—a crucial lucky result that could cement their place in the final round—. "We need to channel all our energy to emerge as the number one in the group," Krajewski stated, fully aware of what’s at stake. For them, it’s not just about a medal, but about shifting the paradigm for para-badminton in the United States.

A victory in Paris would mean much more than a personal achievement. Simon clearly expresses this: “Winning a medal wouldn’t just be an accomplishment for us; it would fuel the growth of para-badminton in the U.S. It would be a solid foundation to attract more funding and create opportunities. Even if we don’t make it to the podium, just being here has already raised the visibility of the sport in our country.”

Krajewski, on the other hand, has witnessed the slow but steady growth of para-badminton in the United States. “When I started, this sport wasn’t very popular,” he recalls with nostalgia. “But in recent years, I’ve seen it gain traction, with more Americans competing internationally and new academies springing up. If we manage to bring a medal home, I’m sure this sport will grow at least five times more.”

Krajewski and Simon's connection didn’t happen overnight. Over two years, they played sporadically, often separated by geographical distance, as they lived in different states. However, everything changed this summer when they decided to train full-time at the Frisco Badminton Academy in Texas. It was there that they found the long-sought non-verbal chemistry that now sets them apart.

The truth is that, this story began in 2016 at a Little People of America sports camp, where a young Krajewski met Simon, then 11 years old. Simon, who had never heard of badminton, competed in several sports, impressing Krajewski’s father, who quickly recommended she try para-badminton. Since then, both have come a long way, moving through various mixed doubles partners, until finally concluding that together, they had a real shot at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Now, with the Games underway, the pair is determined to prove that their choice was the right one. Passion, chemistry, and talent are the key ingredients in the success of the Krajewski-Simon duo, whose determination to break barriers is as strong as their hope of securing a medal. As the lights of Paris shine upon them, they are one step away from making history and leaving an indelible mark on American Paralympic badminton.