Paralympic Games Paris 2024: Meet Chuck Aoki, the most decorated wheelchair rugby player in U.S. history

In the fierce and unforgiving world of wheelchair rugby, where every collision tells a story of grit and determination, USA's Chuck Aoki has become a living legend.

He is an athlete whose journey is defined not just by the numerous medals around his neck but also by the indomitable spirit that has carried him, and his teammates, through every battle on the court.

With four Paralympic medals to his name - three silver and one bronze - Aoki is now the most decorated wheelchair rugby player in U.S. history.

Read on to learn more about Aoki and his journey to history at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

A journey sparked by "Murderball"

Aoki’s introduction to wheelchair rugby came in the form of the 2005 documentary Murderball, a film that peeled back the curtain on the fierce world of wheelchair rugby. For a young Aoki, who had been using a wheelchair, it was nothing short of an invitation.

“I saw the movie, and I thought, ‘Wow, that looks like a lot of fun to get knocked around and beat up,’” Aoki recalled. “So I showed up to a practice, got knocked around and beat up for two hours straight, and I fell in love with it instantly.”

From that day forward, wheelchair rugby became more than just a sport - it became his calling.

Four Paralympic Games, four medals

By the time Aoki made his Paralympic debut at London 2012, he had already become the heartbeat of the U.S. men’s wheelchair rugby team. That year, he and his teammates clinched a bronze medal, marking the beginning of the Minnesota native’s ascent to the top of the sport.

Four years and numerous world and Pan American medals later, Aoki led the U.S. to a silver medal at Rio 2016, a feat he would replicate at Tokyo 2020, where he proudly carried the flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony.

Aoki came to Paris with history on his mind. As the first U.S. wheelchair rugby player to compete in four Paralympics, he was on the cusp of becoming the most decorated player in the sport’s history.

The U.S. team delivered a dominant performance throughout the Paris 2024 tournament, surging their way into a third consecutive Paralympic final.

History was guaranteed for Aoki. The only question remaining was which color medal would hang around his neck.

The final saw a valiant effort from the Americans, who eventually fell short to Japan. Aoki carried the team with 14 tries in the gold medal match, bringing his tournament total to an impressive 106.

Sarah Adam, the first-ever woman to play on the team at a Paralympic Games, also scored 14 tries in the final.

But as the final whistle blew, signaling Japan’s 48-41 victory, Aoki was left with a bittersweet taste, knowing he had come so close to the ultimate prize.

“It hurts,” Aoki admitted after the game, his voice tinged with the pain of another near miss. “I wanted this so badly for our team. I know it’s a team sport, but I can’t help but feel like I let everyone down.”

Even in the face of such personal achievement, he remained focused on the collective effort.

A legacy beyond medals

While the silver medal in Paris may not have been the outcome Aoki had dreamed of, his response to the defeat showcased the mentality that has defined his career.

“It means the team accomplished something really impressive,” Aoki reflected. “It took a lot of work to get here, a lot of ups and downs over the last three years. It’s obviously disappointing. We set our sights and goals on gold. But I’m always proud of this team and I’m always proud to be part of it as well.”

His leadership, both on and off the court, is a guiding light for his teammates, and his humility has made him a beloved and record-setting figure in the sport.

To medal at four Paralympic Games, to consistently perform at the highest level, and to do so with the grace and sportsmanship that Aoki embodies, is a legacy that transcends the medals themselves.

As he puts it, “I think there's always something special to take away from every Games. There are some missed opportunities out there, but a lot of great memories as well.”