Irwin’s Calahan Young is off to a fast start at the Paralympic Games.
Young scored four goals as the U.S. goalball team took down defending world champion Brazil, 8-6, on Thursday at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Tokyo.
“For us to come out here and win our first Paralympics game against a world champion Brazil team is an honor,” Young said. “It tells everyone that we’ve been working. We’ve been putting in the blood, sweat and court time to get to the level we’re at. It’s been a team effort; all six of us have been grinding.
“This just builds our confidence even more. I have faith in us; now I think the whole world knows who we are.”
Young, who attended Slippery Rock and George Mason, is legally blind and walks with a cane. The 6-foot-5 standout scored the game-tying goal with six minutes left in the second half, before adding a pair of insurance scores.
Brazil had not lost in any tournament in five years.
“To finally be at their level is such an honor,” Young said of Brazil. “It was such a team win. We couldn’t have asked for a better game from the entire bench, from everyone.”
The U.S. team will be back in action Friday against Japan.
