Tahl Leibovitz, Jenson Van Emburgh, and Ian Seidenfeld Book Tickets to Paris Paralympics

by Barbara Wei

Para Team USA at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.

Tahl Leibovitz of the United States during the Men's Singles Class 9 Para Table Tennis match at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games at the Nunoa Olympic Training Center on November 16 in Santiago, Chile.

In an awe-inspiring display of skill, determination, and sheer excellence, para-athletes Tahl Leibovitz, Jenson Van Emburgh, and Ian Seidenfeld have secured their spots at the Paris Paralympics by clinching gold at the Santiago 2023 Para Pan Am Games.


Tahl won gold in dominant fashion, not dropping a single game throughout the competition. Coming into the event, Tahl said he felt “pretty good. Confidence comes from practice. Regardless of the results I know there really wasn’t much else I could have done with the training. I worked very hard for a long time.” His preparation clearly paid off, and now he has booked his ticket to the Paralympics for the 7th time.


Para Team USA at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.

Ian Seidenfeld of United States in action during table tennis men’s singles Class 6 at the Santiago 2023 Para Pan American Games at Nunoa’s Olympic Training Center on November 17 in Santiago, Chile.

Ian Seidenfeld, defending gold medalist from the Tokyo Paralympics, faced tough competition from the home-court Chilean players. Ian played Ignacio Torres from Chile in the finals, and was down 1-2 in games, in the best of five match. Down match point, Ian was able to save the match and pulled out a win 11-9 and 13-11 in the fourth and fifth games. Ian will now have the chance to defend his gold medal from Tokyo 2020 in Paris 2024, with his father, coach, and fellow Paralympic gold medalist Mitch Seidenfeld by his side.


Para Team USA at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.

SANTIAGO, CHILE – NOV 16: Jenson Van Emburgh from USA in action for the table tennis men’s singles Class 3 at the Santiago 2023 Para Pan American Games at Nunoa’s Olympic Training Center on November 16 in Santiago, Chile.

Jenson Van Emburgh, Tokyo Paralympic bronze medalist, finished out the day clinching gold in the finals against Fabio Silva (Brazil) in commanding fashion 3-1. Jenson will now have the opportunity to improve upon his bronze medal from Tokyo, in Paris.


The triumphant trio's qualification for the Paris Paralympics marks a significant milestone in their athletic journeys. All three will return to the Paralympics as defending medalists. As they set their sights on Paralympics, their achievements at the Santiago 2023 Para Pan Am Games will undoubtedly fuel their motivation to strive for even greater success in Paris