Team USA Para-badminton made its first appearance at the Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships and it was both an historic and a golden moment. Gold medalists Miles Krajewski and Danh Trang won the Men’s Short Stature doubles by winning 3 matches without loss to top the field of 4 teams. They ascended to the top of the podium and received their Pan American Championships Gold Medals having beaten teams from Canada, Brazil and Peru.

In a surprise win, Miles Krajewski ascended the podium to his second Gold as he won the Men’s Short Stature Singles. His father, Mike Krajewski, acting as coach and manager for Team USA commented, Miles, “he preforms well under pressure”. This is a mild description of someone who pulled out a scintillating match that had his coaching father’s nerves on edge. A “nail biting” semi-finals against Brazil’s Dhiego Guimaraes with scores of 21-15, 21-23, ended 27-25 in the third game and propelled Miles to the finals. The next day he defeated Peru’s Hector Salva Tunque with less drama by the scores 21-12 21-19 and successfully completed his double crown.

Matches can be viewed on You Tube, the links are listed at the end of this article. In their own words:

“It was an honor and a privilege representing the US. This definitely wouldn’t have been possible without USA Badminton and the various coaches/players who’ve helped along the way. I hope that this encourages even more athletes, coaches, and sponsors to become involved in the growing US Para-Badminton program.”

— Danh Trang

“I feel very lucky to be part of the first USA Para-badminton team to compete in the Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships…. The competition was tough and the victories weren’t easy, but more important than the victories, I have made a lot of new friends.”

— Miles Krajewski

“I’d like to thank USA Para-Badminton for all of the help they have provided. I also appreciate the commitment they are making to increase participation and awareness of this great program. I am very proud that we were able to bring home the Gold for the United States!”

— Mike Krajewski

“USA Badminton is so proud of how Miles and Danh played in both their Singles and Doubles matches at the Para Pan Am event in Columbia this past weekend. Thanks to the USOC and USA Badminton, and all the coaches for helping these athletes achieve their success. Our program is in a beginning stage of identifying athletes getting prepared for the 2020 Paralympics and this Gold medal performance is a fantastic start for Para-Badminton in the USA.”

— Steve Kearney
Director of Para-Badminton for USA Badminton

IV Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships 2016

61 athletes from 9 countries contested the IV Pan Am Para-Badminton Continental Championships 2016, Coliseum of the Poliguero South of Envigado, Medellin,  Colombia. The 9 countries included: Canada, United States, Guatemala, Suriname, Cuba, Peru, Brazil, Chile and host Colombia with athletes in 6 different ParaBadminton classifications.

You Tube Links to View IV Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships 2016:

Finals MD Short Stature starts at 2hr 25 min mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx6KYWb75oU

Semi-Finals MS Short Stature starts at 2hr 33 min mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-06b28rUBuY

Day 2 MD Short Stature starts at 1hr 6 min mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-h94-61gSY&t=7270s

Day 1 MS Short Stature starts at 3hr 19 min mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW5XJzpC0Fo