After the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games start on August 24th. As usual, team USA is full of promise with incredible athletes in different sports. The flag bearers of this year’s Tokyo Paralympics for team USA are Melissa Stockwell and Chuck Aoki. Stockwell looked overcome with emotion when her colleagues broke the news to her about the honor.
"That's amazing… That's a really huge honor."@MStockwell01 on the moment she found out she will be leading the way for @TeamUSA at the Opening Ceremony for the #TokyoParalympics. @usatriathlon pic.twitter.com/3q6juP007M
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 23, 2021
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Melissa Stockwell gets emotional
Melissa is a triathlon expert who won the bronze medal in Rio 2016. Evidently, bearing team USA’s flag must’ve been a dream for Melissa as she looked overwhelmed as she talked about the moment.
“Well, my job here is done. That’s amazing. That’s a really huge honor,” said Melissa.
Stockwell is an important medal hope for her country. The former Iraqi veteran looks set to continue to win plaudits for her country in the upcoming Paralympic Games.
#ForeverBuff Melissa Stockwell has punched her ticket to the #Paralympics
Competing as a triathlete she will be representing @TeamUSA in #Tokyo2020.
Let's go, @MStockwell01! 🇺🇸
📸 via Harry How/@GettyImages pic.twitter.com/KUrLisPhQ0
— Forever Buffs 🦬 (@CUBoulderAlumni) August 22, 2021
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The Tokyo Paralympic Games starts
While the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 was a tremendous success, the Paralympics competitions starts today amidst much fanfare. The event will start after the completion of the opening ceremony. It will continue from August 24th to September to 5th September.
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Leading the way.@Aoki5Chuck and @MStockwell01 will be #TeamUSA’s flag bearers for the #TokyoParalympics Opening Ceremony. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/qKwIw5qAA8
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 23, 2021
Stockwell will look to make her mark in the events come Tokyo. She is a former Iraqi war veteran and lost her leg during a military operation in Iraq. After leading a convoy, a roadside bomb exploded which resulted in her losing a leg. But, after her service in Iraq, the government awarded her the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, medals given to the brave soldiers of the USA.
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Her service to her nation is laudable. In addition, being an athlete in the Paralympic Games speaks volumes about her commitment and desire to serve her nation. Melissa Stockwell will be looking to make her mark on this year’s Paralympics after being honored with the flag-bearing duties.
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