Former Jefferson Moss-Magee Patients Shine at the 2024 Paralympics

American flags were flying high at Jefferson Moss-Magee during the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Former patients Emi Perry and Mason Symons proudly represented Team USA in their first-ever Paralympics. Emi and Mason join numerous other past Magee Paralympians, including Michelle Konkoly, Keith Newerla, and Jimmy Thompson.

Emi Perry, a runner before sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2017, began competing in wheelchair racing and triathlon in 2022. Emi has been a member of the U.S. Paratriathlon Resident Team in Colorado Springs, Colorado, since 2023. Despite fierce competition, Emi finished in 5th place in the triathlon – a remarkable achievement that reflected her hard work and unwavering spirit. Though she narrowly missed the podium, her journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to a Paralympic triathlete has been nothing short of inspiring.

Mason Symons found a love for wheelchair rugby after his military career ended due to an off-duty spinal cord injury in 2009. A relentless competitor at heart and former multi-sport athlete, wheelchair rugby gave him a newfound passion, and a community to integrate into. After competing in rugby, weightlifting, slalom, table tennis and air gun the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, VA, Mason decided to focus on making the Team USA wheelchair rugby team. Mason and Team USA fought their way to the gold medal match against Japan, however it was Japan that came away with the victory. Although Team USA finished with a silver medal, Mason's performance was a testament to the strength, teamwork, and determination that defined his journey. The silver medal was a victory in itself, a shining symbol of how far he has come since his days at Magee.

Together, Emi and Mason’s stories captivated the world, proving that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. You can play a part in inspiring the next generation of wheelchair athletes by supporting Jefferson Moss-Magee’s Wheelchair Sports Program today!