2024 Paralympic Medalists Honor Order of Ikkos Recipients at USA Triathlon Foundation Paralympic Rooftop Celebration, Sponsored by the ATI Foundation

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Recipient: Parker Spencer, Head Coach of Project Podium

Athlete: Chris Hammer

Athlete statement: I knew I realistically had one last shot at achieving my Paralympic goal, and that it would require going "all in." The best option to do just that was to move my family across country and to join Parker's daily training environment in Arizona. Parker understood the sacrifices that my family and I were making for me to chase my dreams, and he was just as committed to my goal as I was. He pushed me beyond limits that I previously thought I had. There's more I could say, but it all really comes down to Parker's commitment to excellence. It's a surreal feeling when you toe the starting line knowing that you are as fit and prepared as you could possibly be. Parker is responsible for getting me to that place in Paris.

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Recipient: Mark Sortino - Personal Triathlon Coach

Athlete: Carson Clough 

Athlete statement: Coach Mark Sortino and his family have not only been some of my biggest fans and supporters on a personal level, but he is the main reason I am involved in the sport and deserves the majority of the credit for any success I have had. I truly would not have been in Paris without his professional coaching, phenomenal ability to read people and develop a plan based on the individual, and personal connection we have developed. There are a lot of people that also deserved this award and deserve a ton of credit, but I wouldn't have joined the sport if it wasn't for him.

Recipient: Greg Mueller, Personal Triathlon Coach

Athlete: Grace Norman

Statement: I chose to give my Order of Ikkos Medal to my Coach Greg to recognize his dedication and role in my gold medal journey and performance in Paris. He pushes me to be the best athlete and person and helps me to pursue a Gold Medal process. My Gold medal in Paris is as much his as it is mine and this was just a small token of my appreciation for him. 

Note: Grace Norman presented the Order of Ikkos at the Team USA House

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Recipient: Ru Chen, Wife

Athlete: Mohammed Lahna

Athlete statement: Our family has experienced many ups and downs over the past 15 years, but my wife's support for my Paralympic dream has never wavered. We set out on this journey together and we crossed that finish line together. 

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Recipient: Dan Tun – Handler

Athlete: Kendall Gretsch

Athlete statement: Dan is one of the co-founders of Dare2tri and has been with me on my triathlon journey from the very beginning. Without Dan and the support of everyone at Dare2tri, I would not be competing in triathlon. Dan has also been my handler for the two biggest triathlons I've ever done, the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. Simply put, the support Dan provides me during the race and throughout race week allows me to be a better athlete. The professionalism, knowledge, and confidence he brings to the role keeps me calm and allows me to focus on executing my best possible race.

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Recipient: Derick Williamson, Personal Triathlon Coach

Athlete: Hailey Danz

Statement: My gold medal simply would not have been achievable without Derick’s creative training and unwavering belief in me. The camaraderie that he created as the coach of the Resident Team made the journey to Paris one of the most fulfilling periods of my life. 

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Recipient: Pete Motekaitis, childhood swim coach

Athlete: Mark Barr

Athlete statement: Pete has coached me on and off in swimming since I was 4 years old and was instrumental in getting me back in the water following chemotherapy treatments and the amputation of my leg. I would not be the athlete that I am today without the lessons learned from Pete.

Recipient: Dennis Graves, Childhood Friend

Athlete: Allysa Seely

Statement: Dennis and I met through triathlon in college. I quickly became friends with Dennis and his now-wife, Alex. Every time I was home in Arizona we got together for dinner or a workout. It became the running joke that they never knew when I would pop into town at the last minute and be ready to go for a session. In the years leading up to Paris, Dennis and his wife, along with being my best friends, became my biggest supporters. For the past few winters they have opened their home to me to stay in and train from during a time I was struggling in sport. With him by my side I found I could smile again and enjoy the process. We have swam, ran and biked many miles together laughing and smiling so many of those miles. The memories created and the gratitude I have for my best friends will last a life time.

Established by ATI Physical Therapy in 2003, the ATI Foundation was created as a way for ATI employees and patients to give back to the communities in which they live, work, and serve.

Since our inception, we have raised more than $4 million to make a meaningful impact in the lives of nearly 4,500 people with physical impairments.

Our purpose is to help people in our local communities lead their most fulfilling lives. We fulfill this mission by providing grant awards to individuals and through sponsorship support for like-minded nonprofit organizations.