An American wheelchair basketball legend secured gold at the final Paralympics.
Steve Serio led Team USA to a 73-69 victory over Britain on Saturday night, clinching a third consecutive Paralympic gold in men’s wheelchair basketball in what would be the final game of his illustrious career. Serio delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 24 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists in front of a roaring crowd of nearly 13,000 fans at the Bercy Arena in Paris.
Before receiving his gold medal, which coincided with his 36th birthday, Serio gathered his teammates for one last huddle. Reflecting on their hard work and sacrifice, he thanked them for the experience, calling it the perfect retirement gift. The moment marked the end of an extraordinary journey for Serio, who discovered wheelchair basketball at age 15 and became one of the sport's icons.
As one of the most decorated players in the sport's history, Serio's final game exemplified his leadership and passion. His performance helped solidify the United States as the first team to win three consecutive golds in wheelchair basketball, a sport that has grown in popularity since its origins after World War II. Though ready to pass the torch to the next generation, Serio expressed a desire to stay involved, planning to promote adaptive sports and continue growing the Paralympic movement.
"I can’t think of a better way to go out," Serio said.
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