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The 2012 Summer Olympics are nearly done, with the Closing Ceremony just days away. But London's work hosting some of the world's greatest athletes is far from over. The Paralympic Games are the next major international to take center stage, from August 29-September 9.
During those 12 days, Team USA will be represented by the best Paralympians from around the country. And while they will all have the encouragement and backing from friends, family and all of the United States, a lucky four will have the support of BP, which has partnered with Team USA through 2016 to help U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hopefuls reach their goals.
We are committed to providing opportunities, support and critical funding to help fuel these outstanding athletes at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Having already met the Olympians on BP Team USA, today we meet the Paralympians:
- Jerome Singleton Jr., Paralympic Athletics - 100M, 200M, 4x100M Relay
- Matt Stutzman, Paralympic Archery
- Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Paralympic Swimming - 200M IM, 100M Breaststroke
- Tatyana McFadden, Paralympic Athletics - Wheelchair - 100M,200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, Marathon
Jermoe Singleton Jr., who competes competing mainly in category T44 (single below knee amputation) is headed to London to defend his title of "World's Fastest Amputee," a distinction he earned after winning the men's 100m at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships.
Matt Stutzman, born without arms, qualified for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Archery Team during the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials. Recently, he hit a target from 230 yards away, setting a world for longest accurate shot in archery -- able bodied archers included.
London will be the third Paralympic Games for Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a swimmer who first won gold at the age of just 16 (200m IM), but his first time competing in track and field.
Tatyana McFadden, a six-time medalist, will also be competing in her third straight Paralympic Games, and will be in London aiming for her first gold.
The partnership between BP and Team USA was announced in February, and will continue through the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. BP is hoping to "inspire customers, employees and the public."
Throughout the Olympics and Paralympics, we here at SB Nation will further introduce you to the nine athletes on BP Team USA, and keep you updated on their performances in their respective Games and events.