The 2019 Parapan American Games marks an exciting time for badminton, taekwondo and shooting athletes in particular.These three sports will be featured on the Parapan Am program for the first time this year, when they make their debuts in Lima, Peru. Learn more about each sport and who will be competing on behalf of the United States at the Parapans:
Badminton
Badminton will be making its Parapan debut at the 2019 Parapan American Games, with a total of 50 athletes from 11 different countries competing in Lima. Team USA will be sending three athletes, Amy Burnett, Eric Johnson and Miles Krajewski, to compete in badminton as Burnett will be the first wheelchair player to represent the United States in Para-badminton. Competition will begin on Thursday, August 29 and continue through Sunday, September 1. Medal matches will take place that Saturday and Sunday, on the final two days of competition.
Shooting
Shooting will make its Parapan American Games debut with 12 U.S. athletes traveling to Lima, Peru for both rifle and pistol events. Eight U.S. athletes will compete in rifle events, as four compete in pistol events. Over 40 athletes from 11 countries will compete in events taking place at the Base Aérea Las Palmas from Aug. 24-27, with each day providing opportunities for athletes to win medals. 2016 Paralympic bronze medalist McKenna Dahl leads the American cohort, along with fellow Paralympians Jazmin Almlie-Ryan and John Joss.
Taekwondo
The United States will send seven taekwondo athletes to Lima as the sport makes it onto the Parapan program for the first time. Johnny Birch Jr., Sophia Gimeno, Michael Kacer, Evan Medell, Felix Sabates, Brianna Salinaro and Corbin Stacey will seek a spot on the podium in Peru. Team USA is one of 16 countries participating in taekwondo, with a total of 47 athletes vying for a medal at the 2019 edition of the Parapan American Games. Competition begins on August 24, and will continue through August 31.
