World-class athletes, sold-out crowds, and the iconic setting of Paris. The American media went all-in for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. But where were they during the Paralympic Games? No round-the-clock coverage, no medal leaderboard — no play-by-play of the opening ceremony! Disappointing, disgraceful, dismal.

Team USA's inspiring and extremely talented athletes, who have dedicated their lives to representing their nation in fierce competition, while defying steep odds and societal barriers, deserve more than the occasional recap or athleticism-adjacent story.

The few stories that did materialize were not representative of the grit, glamour, and remarkable talent that emanated from Paris' legendary landmarks. There was so much more to capture from this vibrant scene. Yes, I too, swoon for a good love story and am thoroughly captivated by the Davis-Woodhall & Woodhall family. But they should have been one story among many — not one of the only stories.

Let's hear some other stories. Like the story of Jeremy Campbell, a 5-time Paralympic Champion who dominated the discus competition, despite the unfortunate timing of his prosthetic leg breaking just before the finals. Jeremy's own story of finding calm amid the stress — changing to a back-up prosthetic is not so simple, it requires a complete balance readjustment — and then going on to win gold at the Stade de France, was nothing short of newsworthy. As he circled the arena with his Bronze-medal winning teammate, David Blair, in a scene reminiscent of ancient Greece, he culminated by ringing one of the future Notre Dame Bells with the American flag draped over his shoulders. A truly golden segment.

The energy swirling about beneath the breathtaking glass-domed Grand Palais during Wheelchair Fencing was electric. Another sold-out crowd, and although my seats were akin to "nose-bleeds," as luck would have it, I caught a close-up of Team USA's Ellen Geddes as I was walking back from concessions. Tied 14-14 with Brazil. With a back-bend move reminiscent of Neo in The Matrix, Ellen dodged an attack and countered to victory. American and French flags immediately popped up in harmony and excitement.

Ashley Dyce, the first woman to represent the U.S. in powerlifting since 2012 — gave a mighty performance with multiple precision-smooth lifts upwards of 246lbs! Ashley exited the stage proudly waving as American flags rippled throughout the sold-out crowds (did I mention sold-out crowds?). The entire arena erupted to celebrate her display of strength.

While the American media told us in detail what celebrities were wearing at the U.S. Open, Team USA Paralympians were defying odds, accomplishing mind-boggling feats, and winning medals for our country — 105 medals to be exact. These athletes performed with greatness beyond any disability, yet they were nearly invisible to Americans like me, unless you were there.

To put it bluntly: American media, you missed the mark — glaringly — by not celebrating the Paralympics as the time-honored tradition for representation and advocation that it is (and that it has been since 1960 in Rome). You missed the opportunity to allow all your readers, all of America, to bear witness to and celebrate the human greatness of Paralympic athletes representing our country to the world.

We must do better in Los Angeles — not because it's on our home turf, but because we owe it to TEAM USA, and the world, to show support for the crème de la crème of athletic greatness. Please, let's give the Paralympic Games equal coverage.

— Kristi Lyn Eaton · September 2024