Jean Gordon
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 12:55 pm

Conner after his first singles match. Photo provided.

On August 27, Conner Stroud of Rutherfordton, played his first Paralympic tennis match at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo as a member of the USA Men's Tennis Team.

From Japan Conner posted this on his Facebook page: "I faced the 14th seed who is world number 15 and I gave it my all. I came up short but am overall happy with how I competed in my match. The feeling out on the court was unbelievable and makes me hungry for more! To be able to represent my country is very special to me and something I will always have in my heart. Tomorrow my partner and I face South Africa in the doubles draw."

He and Casey Ratzlaff were victorious in a three hour match against South Africa.

"Casey and I fought hard the entire match and I'm so proud of us both. We will face the seventh seed Spain later today and will give it our all," Conner posted.

They were later defeated by Spain.

But Conner is a winner as he realized a dream of being a part of the Paralympic Games.

Back home now, he's making plans for the 2024 Paralympics.