U.S. Medals at 2022 Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships

By Mike Krajewski

The final day at the 2022 Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships in Cali, Columbia proved to be a golden day for Team USA. Three matches with USA players were on the schedule, including two finals matches.

In mixed doubles (SH6), Jayci Simon and Miles Krajewski faced Peru’s Hector Jesus Salva Tunque and Rubi Milagros Fernandez Vargas. The American pair won 21-17 and 21-17 to win a silver medal.

In men’s singles (SH6), Krajewski defeated Peru’s Nilton Quispe Ignacio 21-16 and 21-16 to secure a gold medal.

In men’s doubles (SH6), Krajewski and Brazil’s Vitor Tavares faced Peru’s Nilton Quispe Ignacio and Hector Jesus Salva Tunque in a tough three-game match (21-5, 20-22, 21-6) but emerged victorious with a gold medal.

When asked about how he felt bringing home three medals, Krajewski said “It feels really good, especially knowing that I had lost to Vitor (Tavares) the previous five times we had played, including at the 2019 Para Pan Am Games. I knew the path to gold in singles at this tournament was going to go through him when I saw the entries. He is a fierce competitor and a good friend; I am sure we will have many more tough matches between us in the future.”

Krajewski also had praise for his partners in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles. “These tournaments can be difficult because I don’t get to train with my partners on a regular basis. But I have known Jayci for a long time, and she is one of the hardest workers and most competitive people I know. I knew she would do great. And it was also good that Vitor and I could defend our Pan Am Gold from 2018 together. He is an amazing player, and I am lucky that I get to play doubles with him.”

Steve Kearney, USA Para-Badminton Director, said “USA Badminton is very proud of the amazing effort that the USA team displayed at the Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships. Not only did we walk away with Golds, Silver and Bronze, but all the team members stepped up and helped coach and support their teammates. A great team effort!”

In total, the USA athletes came home with the following medals:
Amy Burnett – Bronze WH1 Women’s Singles
Jayci Simon – Silver SH6 Women’s Singles, Silver SH6 Mixed Doubles
Miles Krajewski – Gold SH6 Men’s Singles, Gold SH6 Men’s Doubles, Silver SH6 Mixed Doubles

To see results from the tournament, click here.