Silver Medal Harmony: Team USA’s Medley Relay a Symphony
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by Kyle Coon
“Leanne turned into a demon that last 50 to secure us the silver. I lost my mind when she finished,” Morgan Ray said, recalling Team USA’s silver medal in the mixed 4x50-meter medley 20-point relay at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
China captured gold in a world-record time of 2 minutes and 24.83 seconds, while the United States followed in 2:31.01. Ukraine took bronze in 2:31.53.
The American lineup featured Elizabeth Marks (S6, backstroke) leading off, followed by Morgan Ray (SB6, breaststroke). Abbas Karimi (S5, butterfly) swam the third leg, and Leanne Smith (S3, freestyle) anchored to secure the silver medal.
For Smith, the relay highlighted the joy of sharing a podium in a sport often focused on individual competition.
“Working together to make a dream and goal happen and get up on the podium with your teammates in such an individual sport … it’s rare to have those moments,” Smith said.
Ray said his calm approach to the final helped set the tone.
“I was so calm for that final for some reason. I’m usually really nervous. My walkout song was Duel of Fates from Star Wars. I felt so confident walking out to the blocks,” Ray said. “We were in fifth, so I knew I had to giddy up and go!”
One year later, Team USA’s silver in the 4x50 medley relay is remembered as a performance built on teamwork and composure — a strong finish that reflected the collective spirit of the American squad in Paris.
