Meet Our Team Panasonic Winter Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
Panasonic has a long history as a proud partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the exclusive provider of audio-video equipment, Panasonic technology has helped to power the Games for over 30 years. Throughout this time, we have had the privilege to witness the emergence of historic champions.
Being a true champion requires deep passion that goes beyond winning or athletic performance. The members of Team Panasonic were chosen for both their accomplishments in their sport and the commitments they have made to improving their communities, bringing awareness to important issues and answering the question, "How can I take an active role in moving the world forward?"
Champions. For Progress.
What does it take to be a champion? For Team Panasonic athletes, it’s believing that true progress happens along a continuum where the bar is raised each time you get closer to it. That’s the spirit of #ForeverForward.
Both Tyler McGregor and Noah Elliott exemplify these qualities in the way they have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and found new ways to compete at the highest levels in their respective Paralympic sports. And it is these same qualities of determination and hard work that will hopefully lead Maame Biney and Nathan Chen to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
A passion for progress guides these athletes - and it steers the decisions we make at Panasonic, continually advancing technology to help move humanity forward.
Champions. For Inspiration.
All Team Panasonic members recognize the importance of the inspiration they’ve received along their journeys. Champions for Progress will highlight the people, places and forces that have touched each athlete and show how they moved them forward, allowing them to return that support to others and their communities.
Team Panasonic
Nathan Chen
It’s almost as though Nathan Chen was born to figure skate. Growing up around the ice, he’s been in the rink for almost as long as he can remember. Find out how his drive and determination made him not just an Olympic figure skater, but a champion. See his journey
Maame Biney
Happenstance brought Maame Biney to her first ice rink – but her passion, energy and love for the sport led her to speed skating. Now she’s taking everything she’s learned from her drive to be the best and applying that both on and off the ice. See her journey
Noah Elliott
By the time he was 14, Noah Elliott had developed into a promising semi-pro skateboarder. But when a cancer diagnosis led to the amputation of his leg, he didn’t end his athletic career. Instead, his will and resolve led him to heights he’d never even imagined. See his journey
Tyler McGregor
At first, the news seemed insurmountable. Doctors needed to amputate the leg of teenage hockey player Tyler McGregor to save his life. Learn how the support of coaches and his family - along with his passion and determination - helped him overcome these challenges to become a champion. See his journey
Michael Phelps
Michael has achieved a feat no other Olympian has: winning a total of 28 medals. He’s dominated the sport of swimming over the course of five Olympic Games. He has held numerous world records. But Michael’s greatest achievement may still lay ahead as he brings awareness to the struggles athletes face. With the platform he’s built through swimming and his personal bravery, he’s giving a voice to all those who struggle with mental health. See his journey
Katie Ledecky
Few athletes become elite champions. Fewer hold world records. Katie has achieved both measures, driven by a simple philosophy: success is determined by the work you put in. That mindset brought her gold in the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, as well as success in the classroom as a student. Today, she inspires young people to pursue STEM opportunities, reminding them that accomplishments are earned, luck doesn’t win medals and self-determination is the most rewarding gift you can give to yourself. See her journey
Sakura Kokumai
Sakura began her inspiring journey at just seven. From the moment her mother introduced her to karate at their local YMCA, she knew the sport would shape her life. By 14, she was competing internationally, and today she ranks number 5 in the world for kata. She was proud to represent Team USA and Team Panasonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in her ancestral and childhood home of Japan, helping to inspire the next generation of karate champions. See her journey
Lex Gillette
Lex believes – in himself, in the spirit of competition, in pushing past all obstacles. As a five-time blind Paralympic medalist in the long jump, he’s overcome challenges that would sideline most of us. If his performance on the field was not enough inspiration, he is committed to sharing his message of strength through motivational speeches, imparting that vision, not sight, is all you need to succeed. See his journey
