Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team Faces Tough Start at Paris Paralympics

On August 30, 2024, the Australian wheelchair rugby team, known as the Steelers, commenced their campaign at the Paris Paralympics with their first match against the defending champions, Great Britain. The game, characterized by high intensity and dramatic moments, drew significant attention from a capacity crowd at the Champs de Mars arena, located near the Eiffel Tower.

The Steelers entered this match with high expectations, ranked number one globally after previously securing gold in the London and Rio Paralympics. However, they encountered a challenging contest, ultimately losing to Great Britain with a score of 58-55. Despite a strong start, the team struggled to maintain control, particularly during the third quarter.

During the match, Australian athlete Ella Sabljak, one of only three women on the Steelers’ roster, expressed disappointment following a crucial moment where she fumbled a pass. “When the ball just slipped out of my hands… I was gutted because I value that possession so much,” Sabljak remarked. Nevertheless, she quickly recovered by scoring a try shortly after her earlier misstep.

Sabljak emphasized the importance of female representation in wheelchair rugby, noting that Great Britain does not have any women on their roster. She stated, “It’s been a pretty male-dominated sport for so long, and the women who come through add such a different perspective and depth.”

As part of their strategy, the Steelers have integrated mixed-gender dynamics into their gameplay. This inclusion not only enhances team performance but also allows for a greater scoring potential owing to the sport’s classification point system.

Looking ahead, Australia aims to secure a place in the semi-finals, with upcoming matches against France and Denmark. Team captain Chris Bond acknowledged the setback from their initial loss but remained optimistic, noting, “That’s the one we had a vision to win… but it’s not the end.”

Bond expressed excitement for the next match against the host country, France, highlighting the energetic atmosphere expected from the local crowd. “It’s going to be bloody loud,” he said, showcasing the team’s determination to rally in the upcoming games.