Paralympian Rico Roman Discusses his Love of Basketball

July 2, 2020

Rico Roman is known for winning gold as a member of the USA sled hockey team, but he has a love for the Portland Trailblazers and the sport of basketball. He even takes time out of his busy schedule to play with the Portland Trailblazers affiliated wheelchair basketball team, the Wheelblazers. 

The wheelchair basketball season overlaps directly with the sled hockey season, so it's hard for him to make every practice, but, when he is there, he always makes sure to push all his teammates.

"Whether it's basketball, or anything in life, I hate to lose." - Rico Roman

View is full profile at Team USA

Honoring Olympians and Paralympians from Oregon and Washington is presented by the area’s local Toyota dealers and produced by NBC Sports Northwest.  The series features personal athlete profiles highlighting various aspects of their lives and careers.

Athletes include

  • Long-distance runner and five-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp

  • Decathlete and 1992 Olympic bronze medalist Dave Johnson 

  • Fencer and four-time Olympic medalist Mariel Zagunis

  • Sled hockey player and 2014 Paralympic gold medalist Rico Roman

  • Goalball player and two-time Paralympic medalist Jen Armbruster

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