The Paralympic Games will officially commence on 28 August with an Opening Ceremony held in the vibrant Place de la Concorde. From this starting point, 11 days of intense competition will unfold, from 29 August to 8 September, where American athletes will seek not only medals but also to solidify their position as an undeniable power in the Paralympic arena, following their strong performance in the recently concluded Paris Games.

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC, spared no praise for the team. "We are incredibly proud of the athletes who will represent the United States in Paris this summer," she claimed. Hirshland emphasised that the dedication and tireless effort of these athletes reflect the values of the team and the communities that support them. Each of these sportspeople has travelled a path full of sacrifices and challenges, and they are now ready to shine on the world stage.

The composition of the delegation is, in itself, a testament to diversity and experience. With 141 athletes who have previously competed in Paralympic Games, the team boasts a perfect blend of veterans and newcomers. Among them are three athletes who have participated in six editions of the Games, four who have done so five times, and eight who have been to four editions. Moreover, 78 athletes will make their Paralympic debut in Paris, adding an exciting new dimension to the team.

Leading this formidable squad is Jessica Long, the swimmer who has become a living legend with her 29 Paralympic medals, 16 of which are gold. Long arrives in Paris with the firm intention of further cementing her legacy and reaffirming her status as one of the most decorated athletes in United States history.

Another standout figure is Tatyana McFadden, an athletics veteran who is entering her sixth Paralympic Games with 20 medals to her name. McFadden has the opportunity to make history in Paris by becoming the most decorated American athlete in athletics if she manages to reach the top of the podium once again.

Oksana Masters is another athlete who should not be overlooked. A true example of versatility and talent, Masters boasts 18 medals across three different sports and is aiming to repeat the success of Tokyo 2020, where she won two gold medals in road cycling.

The success of the US Paralympic team is not a matter of chance. It is the result of a systematic and meticulous approach that begins at the collegiate level. In fact, more than 50% of the team’s athletes competed at the university level, highlighting the importance of adapted sports on US campuses. A total of 90 universities from 43 conferences will be represented in Paris, demonstrating the impact and reach of Paralympic sport in the country.

To support this development, the USOPC and the NCAA have launched a new adapted sports centre, paracollegesport.com, an online resource dedicated to promoting and growing Paralympic sports at universities across the country. This website will not only serve as a platform for student-athletes and university administrators but will also drive the expansion of Paralympic programmes on campuses.

Julie Dussliere, USOPC Paralympic Games Director and Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, expressed her enthusiasm about leading this team. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime honour to lead this incredible group of 225 athletes in Paris this summer," she declared. Dussliere stressed the importance of the Paralympic Games as an opportunity to showcase to the world the transformative power of the Paralympic Movement, which not only celebrates sport at the highest level but also challenges and changes perceptions of disability.

Fans of the Paralympic team will be able to closely follow the athletes' performances across multiple platforms, including the official Team USA website and its social media channels. Additionally, the innovative "Team USA Creators" initiative will offer fans an unprecedented experience, allowing them to live the Games from a unique perspective thanks to the collaboration of athletes and influencers who will share exclusive content from Paris. There will be no shortage of excitement, as icons such as Chuck Aoki, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Matt James, and Erin Azar, among others, will provide a behind-the-scenes look that the public usually doesn’t see, strengthening the bond between fans and the team.

After topping the overall medal table at the Tokyo Olympics with a total of 126 medals, the United States arrives in Paris with the ambition of repeating that feat at the Paralympic Games. The competition will be fierce, with more than 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports and 549 medal events. But the US team, with its combination of experience, youth, and unwavering support, is more than prepared to face the challenge and attempt to dethrone China, the reigning Paralympic champion.

Another major development in Team USA's roadmap is the groundbreaking new branding platform launched by the USOPC, "One for All". This initiative was introduced this year to highlight the inspiring stories of the athletes who make up Team USA. By focusing on the voices of the athletes, it not only showcases their incredible athletic abilities but also humanises them, revealing the communities and stories that have shaped them.

This is how the horizon looks for the US Paralympic Team,who are already eagerly awaiting the French capital with a clear objective: to dominate the medal table and continue inspiring the world with their example of perseverance, talent, and determination. With such a strong team and meticulous preparation, there is no doubt that they are ready to leave their mark on the history of the Paralympic Games.