Which athletes are carrying the flag for Team USA at the opening of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will kick off on August 28, 2024, with the Grand Opening Ceremony and conclude on September 8, 2024. Over 11 days of intense competition, nearly 4,400 athletes from 185 delegations will participate in the summer event.

Team USA will be represented by a total of 225 athletes (including 5 guides) at the Games. The list of para-athletes boasts an equal gender representation, with 110 women and 110 men. Among the five guides, there are three men and two women.

US flag bearers for 2024 Paralympic Games

During the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Steve Serio (wheelchair basketball) and Nicky Nieves (sitting volleyball) will be the flag bearers for the U.S. delegation after the US Para Athletes Commission held a vote.

Nicky Nieves

Nieves was part of the volleyball team that won the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games. She missed the Tokyo 2020 Games after testing positive for covid-19. She also secured a gold medal at the 2019 Parapan American Games and won silver medals at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships.

“Being the flag bearer for Team USA means that all my efforts have not been in vain. I can represent the country that made me who I am, with the best American athletes by my side. Thank you to my incredible team for nominating me for this honor, and thanks to all the athletes of Team USA,” said Nieves.

Steve Serio

Serio, the 36-year-old wheelchair basketball player, is one of the most decorated athletes in his sport. He has consistently made it to the podium in three consecutive summer Games: bronze in London 2012, gold in Rio 2016, and gold in Tokyo 2020. In addition, he has won four gold medals at the Parapan American Games (2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019) and four World Championship medals.

“I want to thank all the athletes of Team USA. I will represent you to the best of my ability, and I love you all. The Paralympic movement means so much to me... Being a Team USA athlete and a Paralympian is one of the greatest honors I’ve had. I hope my country is proud of me, and I can’t wait to represent you at the Opening Ceremony,” said Serio.