Paris Paralympics 2024: Jayci Simon & Miles Krajewski win USA's first medal in para badminton

By Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has covered almost every Olympic sport, but Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field have his heart.

Published at :September 3, 2024 at 6:07 PM

Modified at :September 3, 2024 at 6:07 PM

The medal came in SH6 category.

American para badminton players Jayci Simon and Miles Krajewski secured a silver medal in the mixed doubles SH6 category at the Paris Paralympics. This marks the first-ever Paralympic badminton medal for the United States and the entire Pan American region.

The 19-year-old duo faced China’s Naili Lin and Fengmei Li in the final, ultimately falling 21-14, 21-12. Despite the loss, their silver medal performance represents a significant milestone in a sport traditionally dominated by Asian countries.

Simon and Krajewski’s journey to the podium was far from smooth. Their departure from Atlanta was delayed due to mechanical issues, leading to a series of travel complications. Upon reaching Paris, they encountered further challenges with match rescheduling, including a semifinal that didn’t begin until 10 p.m. local time on Saturday.

Undeterred, the young athletes powered through six matches in just three days. Their remarkable run included two victories over the world No. 2 Indian team of Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sivan, once in group play and again in the semifinals.

The SH6 classification, designated for athletes of short stature, saw fierce competition throughout the tournament. Simon and Krajewski’s success is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first Olympic or Paralympic badminton medal for any country west of Great Britain.

In the final, the Americans faced a more experienced Chinese pair. Despite a strong start in the second set, where they built a four-point lead, Lin and Li’s experience ultimately prevailed.

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The introduction of para badminton to the Paralympics in 2020 has opened new opportunities for athletes worldwide. Simon and Krajewski’s performance may signal a shift in the sport’s landscape, traditionally dominated by Asian countries.

Looking ahead, both players plan to return to college, taking some time to celebrate and rest before considering future Paralympic competition.

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Ajay Gandhar

Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.