Para athletics in the United States continues to face significant inequalities in infrastructure and funding when compared to Olympic athletics, despite the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games already looming on the horizon. For years, national championships and para events have been held in venues lacking accessibility, technical standards, and media coverage. Until recently, competitions were often staged on high school or community college tracks that failed to meet the minimum standards for athletes, spectators, or press.

“We had tracks with potholes, long jump pits that were too small, and few facilities for athletes. There wasn’t even enough water during competitions,” recalled Tatyana McFadden in an interview with The Guardian, one of the most decorated U.S. para athletes. Funding also reflects disparities: although Paralympic medal bonuses were equalized with Olympic ones in 2021, other compensations related to training, gear, or travel remain notably lower.

“We still need to keep asking questions”

The recent USATF Outdoor National Championships were held at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene, and for the first time, para athletes competed alongside their Olympic counterparts. “Seeing this integration truly happening is really exciting,” said sprinter Jarryd Wallace, a four-time Paralympian and long-time advocate for equity. “It shows how far we’ve come. But to reach even higher levels, we still need to keep asking questions. No one really knows yet what the perfect path is. We’re figuring out what’s needed, what resources and opportunities are out there. And I think that’s what will take U.S. para sports to places it’s never been before.”

Competitions at top-tier venues like this one have gained visibility, though athletes stress the need to maintain this momentum in order to arrive at 2028 with a solid competitive structure. “I want to win I’m not here for the atmosphere or the fans. I could run in a parking lot if I had to; I just want to beat the guy next to me,” said Miguel Jimenez-Vergara.

“You don’t know where to find coaches”

One of the biggest challenges for U.S. para athletics is the absence of a pipeline that connects youth para sport with elite international competition. “After winning regionals or state meets, there’s no clear path to the global stage. You don’t know where to find coaches or how to make the leap,” explained Amanda McGrory, former athlete and current commentator.

Jimenez-Vergara faced this very problem until a former coach connected him with Joaquim Cruz, head coach of the Paralympic team. That led him to the Chula Vista Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, which helped elevate his performance considerably.

Olympians and Paralympians under one roof

This year, USA Track and Field (USATF) officially merged with the para program, formalizing an integration that had already been happening on the ground. Since 2005, many Paralympic athletes have trained alongside Olympic athletes, sharing coaches and resources. The administration has now unified both Olympic and Paralympic national championships, a move aimed at strengthening support and visibility for para athletics nationwide.

With access to personal coaches, nutritionists, and sports psychologists, Jimenez-Vergara went on to win medals at the 2023 Parapan American Games and is building a rivalry with Daniel Romanchuk. He is emerging as one of the leading U.S. contenders for Los Angeles 2028. However, the U.S. still needs to implement a robust talent identification and development system to remain competitive against countries with more advanced infrastructures.

Global competition and the role of USATF

China, Brazil, the UK, and other powerhouses have made significant strides in scouting and developing para athletes. USATF already has a well-established Olympic talent development system, which if properly resourced could be adapted for para athletics.

Moving the national para championships to Hayward Field was a major step forward in terms of visibility and inclusion. But much remains to be done in terms of funding, institutional support, and grassroots structure if the U.S. hopes to be fully prepared to host the 2028 Paralympic Games on home soil.