SANTIAGO, Chile — On the final day of badminton at the 2023 Parapan American Games, the United States added a couple more medals to its tally. Miles Krajewski added a gold medal in men’s singles SH6 while Jayci Simon took silver in the women’s singles SH6. 

Furthermore, the medal ceremony for mixed doubles’ SH6, in which Krajewski and Simon won gold together, was also held on Sunday, though the event final was played earlier in the weekend. 

Krajewski avenged his silver medal in the Lima 2019 games to Brazil’s Vitor Tavares, defeating him on Sunday in straight games (21-19, 21-15). Krajewski showed much emotion throughout, shouting “Let’s Go” after several points he scored. In a back-and-forth game, he dove for the shuttlecock to extend rallies, ultimately picking up a massive resume booster for Paris 2024. 

Simon fell in straight games to Peru’s Carmen Poveda (21-10, 21-11). Poveda often hit drop shots that Simon could not reach. Despite defeat, Simon still has her eyes on a potential trip to Paris 2024. 

Aside from Simon and Krajewski, Amy Burnett was the last American to compete in badminton on Sunday. She played in the bronze medal match in the women’s singles WH1 against Canada’s Yuka Chokyu, falling 21-5 in both games. Still, Burnett was super proud of her performance, as the last time the two faced each other, Burnett failed to score a point. 

Here’s what Krajewski, Simon and Burnett each said about their time competing at Santiago 2023:

Krajewski:

“It means a lot since last (Parapan American Games), he beat me in three sets. I’m glad I was able to come and win this one,” Krajewski said. 

“I knew I needed to focus in, especially since me and Vitor were going back-and-forth between who wins matches and I knew I needed to win this to have a better shot at making the Paralympics. So I just came in (and) focused,” Krajewski said after his gold-medal performance. 

“Normally, we just go on our own whereas here we’re contributing to Team USA to bring home medals. I hope I make Paris since it was amazing just to be on this stage and play here.”

Simon:

“It’s been really great,” Simon said. “The people here are super uplifting and encouraging. Just the atmosphere is awesome because everyone’s here (and) because they’ve worked so hard. So it’s just a really fun, exciting environment.”

“It’s been such a blessing. I started playing badminton in 2017 and ever since Santiago was talked about, I had my eyes set on this and hopefully Paris too.”

“Just everyone focuses on how physically skilled you are, but also it’s a mentality you have to have,” Simon said on things she can take away from Santiago. “No only I’m going to focus just as much on the physical aspect but also the mental aspect.”  

Burnett:

“When we play each other all of the time, the end result sometimes you know going into the match,” Burnett said after her match. “For me, this was the first time I got to play Yuka since the previous Pan American Games, so it was very exciting to see her again. The last time she played me, the score was (21-0, 21-0). Now (21-5, 21-5), it does show signs that I’m improving.”

“I’m the only wheelchair player in the USA,” Burnett added. “Training has been a bit difficult because I don’t have wheelchair players even to train with. When I come and I see them moving their chairs, it’s a bit awkward because I normally train with able-bodied children and watching (the children) move all the time versus getting to watch a wheelchair move is so so different.”

“Being the very first person in the United States ever to represent in a final that’s in a wheelchair (in badminton), it’s very gratifying,” Burnett said. “I didn’t win, but I also wanted to join the military. I was injured and couldn’t. Then, I was able to represent my country (by) playing sport. It’s kind of a nice way to offer back to a country that gives us so much.”

For more photos from this event, click here