U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Triumphs as World Champion

The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team secured a victory at the world championships, setting the stage for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. The team claimed their first title since 2010 by narrowly defeating host Canada with a score of 77-76 in the final held in Ottawa.

In a tightly contested match, Courtney Ryan was crucial in the final moments when she made one of two free-throws with 20.8 seconds remaining. Canada was unable to capitalize on its subsequent possession, missing a shot and fouling Ixhelt Gonzalez with only 5.1 seconds left. Although Gonzalez missed both of her free throws, Canada failed to get off a final shot attempt.

Key performances included Lindsey Zurbrugg, who scored 26 points, while both Rose Hollermann and Courtney Ryan contributed 17 points each. Ryan was close to achieving a triple-double, recording nine assists and eight rebounds.

The U.S. team, which previously won Paralympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, has since achieved bronze in Tokyo and silver in Paris. The current roster is rich with experience, featuring 11 out of 12 players who have participated in Paralympic wheelchair basketball. This includes veterans like Hollermann and Becca Murray from the 2016 gold medal-winning team.

The squad’s new talent includes Arelle Middleton, the youngest member at 18, who has a background in Paralympic track and field. She claimed a silver medal in the F64 shot put during the 2024 Games.

The Netherlands, holders of the previous two world and Paralympic titles, were unexpectedly defeated by Canada in this year’s semifinals.

In the men’s championship, Australia and Italy are set to compete in the final. The game will air at 4:45 p.m. ET on Peacock. Unfortunately, the U.S. men’s team, reigning Paralympic champions from the last three events, faced a setback after being eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals. Nonetheless, the U.S. men’s team has an impressive streak, medaling at every World Championship since 1975.

Additionally, the U.S. wheelchair rugby team, emerging as the world champion, looks to add to their achievements by aiming for their first Paralympic gold since 2008 at the upcoming Los Angeles games.