Who Are Chuck Aoki and Melissa Stockwell, Team USA’s Flag Bearers for Tokyo Paralympics 2020?

The Paralympics start today as Team USA is expected to dominate the event. The US Paralympic Team has selected their flag bearers for the upcoming Paralympics games. Melissa Stockwell and Chuck Aoki are the two athletes given the honor. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw Team USA dominating the events by claiming 39 gold medals and won a total of 113 Olympic medals.

But, the focus shifts to the Paralympics now.

Melissa Stockwell and Chuck Aoki leads Team USA

Chuck is a two-time Paralympic medalist while Stockwell won the bronze medal in Rio 2016 games. These two athletes have competed at the highest level and brought glory to their country. Moreover, the Opening Ceremony started today at the Tokyo Stadium as the events start soon after the ceremony. After fellow US athletes voted for the flag bearers, team USA sees the aforementioned athletes lead the pack in Japan.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Olympic committee will hold the games behind closed doors similar to the Olympic Games. Around 242 athletes will represent Team USA for the 2020 Paralympics while 115 athletes will take part in the Opening Ceremony.

Like the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games showcases top athletes across the world who compete for their nations.

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Aoki set to shine in Tokyo

After winning the silver medal at Rio 2016 and a bronze medal in London during the 2012 Paralympics, Aoki is a legend in wheelchair rugby. Likewise, Melissa Stockwell is a Paralympic triathlete who looks to bring further glory for her country, and herself.

Significantly, Chuck could not contain his excitement after being declared as the flag bearer for his country.

“Being selected flag bearer is such a stunning honor that I never expected,” said Chuck.

Similarly, Melissa Stockwell spoke about the honor she had to represent her country, for the games. Melissa is a former war veteran who served the US army in Iraq.

“As a veteran, carrying the American flag and representing my sport (triathlon), my country, my Paralympic family, and my team — that is an incredible honor,” said Melissa.

These two athletes carry the nation forward for the upcoming Paralympic Games. The games start from today and will run till September 5th in what promises to be an exciting set of events in Japan.

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