Top 5 US Paralympians to Watch in Beijing

The Olympic Games are over, but Beijing is just gearing up for the 2008 Paralympics, which begin on September 6. Athletes from all over the world will compete in 20 sports. Below are some of the Americans to watch in these events:

Ashley Owens. This 18-year-old swimmer from Stockbridge, Georgia finished first in the US Paralympic Trials in the S10 200m and 400m freestyle events. She is also the current world record-holder in both events.

Anderson Wise. This 25-year-old college student from Needham, Massachusetts is the current IPC American powerlifting champion.

Mitch Seidenfeld. This 45-year-old is a two-time Paralympian and the Gold Medalist at the 2007 Parapan America Games in table tennis. Seidenfeld, a dwarf, is a strong advocate for the sport in the United States and a developmental coach in table tennis for the International Olympic Committee.

Rebecca Hart. This 23-year-old Penn State student hails from Erie, PA. She is the 2006 and 2008 American National Paraequestrian champion.

Jessica Galli. This 24-year-old track and field paralympian was named the 2007 US Olympic Committee Paralympian of the Year. She holds the world records in the 200m, 400m, and 800m wheelchair events.

Keep an eye also on the US Paralympic wheelchair rugby team. They are coming off of their 2008 first place finish at the Canada Cup.

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