Canada settles for silver in hard-fought wheelchair rugby final against United States
CBC
The United States defeated Canada in the gold medal game at the Parapan Am Games in Santiago, Chile on Thursday night.
Not only are the Americans champions of this event, they also earned a berth to the Paris Paralympics in the process.
It was a bitter 57-51 defeat for Canada, who hadn't lost a single match going into the title game.
The United States overpowered Canada in crucial moments of the game, led by three-time Paralympian Chuck Aoki and the only female member of the American team Sarah Adam, who scored a combined 45 tries.
"It's so thrilling. It's been a tough year for the USA team. We've had a lot of losses but our goal was to win here and we did it when it counted," Aoki said after the win.
"I try to enjoy these moments in my life. There are only so many times you'll play for a gold medal. It's a really sweet moment."
WATCH l Canada's wheelchair rugby team falls to Americans 57-51:
Adam has made history in the winning effort, becoming the first woman ever to win a Parapan Am Games gold medal – it's a mixed sport but never before has a female been part of a championship team until now.
"It was a team win. We came out with a great plan against Canada and the chemistry with the lines was just working," Adam said.
"It means a lot that my teammates and coaches have faith in me. The fans were electric. We have really good matchups. You have to play really clean rugby against them."
Aoki had high praise for his history-making teammate.
"I'm so impressed by Sarah. She's so dynamic and such a great teammate. I love her being a part of our team," he said.
The gritty Canadian side must now win a last-chance qualifier in order to book its ticket to Paris in 2024.
"We're proud of the fact we're here and won silver. Obviously disappointed. But we have to have a short-term memory about this. We have a qualifying opportunity coming up in March," Zak Madell said.
