Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Secures Historic Third Consecutive Gold Medal
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the United States Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team achieved an unprecedented feat at the Paris Paralympics, clinching their third consecutive gold medal with a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Great Britain at Bercy Arena.
This remarkable achievement cements Team USA’s position as a dominant force in the sport, marking the first time any nation has secured three straight gold medals in men’s wheelchair basketball. The win also brings Team USA’s total gold medal count in the event to an impressive eight.
Team captain Steve Serio reflected on the team’s journey, stating, “This team has grown tremendously over the past few years. We knew Great Britain would be a formidable opponent, but we’re thrilled to have secured another gold medal for our country.”
The intense match saw standout performances from both sides. Great Britain’s Lee Manning and Phillip Pratt proved challenging to contain in the first quarter, while Serio and Jake Williams led the charge for Team USA. The Americans maintained their lead throughout the game, despite a late surge from Great Britain that narrowed the gap to just three points with three minutes remaining.
Key contributors to Team USA’s victory included Williams (26 points), Serio (24 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists), and Trevon Jenifer (14 points). Their combined efforts, along with crucial defensive stops, ultimately sealed the win for the United States.
Jake Williams, now a three-time gold medalist, emphasized the difficulty of their accomplishment: “Gold medals are never easy to come by, and this was arguably one of the most challenging tournaments yet. The competition was fierce, but our team’s unity was the key to our success.”
The victory was particularly poignant for Steve Serio, who announced prior to the game that the Paris Paralympics would mark the end of his illustrious career. Serio, who served as the flag bearer during the opening ceremony, expressed his gratitude for the experience: “I’ve tried to be fully present throughout these Games, knowing it would be my last. I can’t imagine a better way to conclude my Paralympic journey.”
As Team USA celebrates this historic achievement, their performance in Paris serves as an inspiration to wheelchair athletes worldwide and underscores the continued growth and competitiveness of Paralympic sports.