Sarah Adam, a 32-year-old from St. Louis, is making headlines as a rising star in the world of wheelchair rugby. Known as “murderball” due to its physical nature, wheelchair rugby has traditionally been a male-dominated sport. However, Adam has set her sights on becoming the first woman to play on a U.S. Paralympic team in this challenging and intense sport.
Wheelchair rugby, which combines elements of handball, ice hockey, and basketball, was developed in the 1970s specifically for athletes with reduced arm and hand function. At the Tokyo Games, out of the 96 wheelchair rugby athletes, only four are women, emphasizing the immense achievement that Adam is working towards.
While many of today’s wheelchair rugby athletes were inspired by the 2005 film “Murderball,” Adam stumbled upon the sport in a different way. In 2013, she began volunteering and discovered her passion for wheelchair rugby. Initially, Adam had aspirations of becoming a coach, but her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016. Determined to overcome the challenges she faced, Adam decided to give wheelchair rugby a try.
Impressing the national team coaches during a tryout camp, Adam earned her spot on the U.S. national team. Despite the physicality of the sport and her relatively short time playing, Adam has proven herself to be a resilient and skilled player. Her talent and hard work have gained her the respect and admiration of her teammates, who emphasize that she truly deserved her spot on the team.
Adam’s journey recently brought her to the world championship, where she competed in pool play and showcased her abilities. To further underline her potential, she was named as the lone woman on the 16-player national team for 2024. This recognition serves as a significant step towards her ultimate goal of making the U.S. Paralympic team.
With the final 12-player Paralympic team set to be chosen by May 1, Adam has a strong chance of securing her place. Her success in wheelchair rugby has the potential to pave the way for more women to participate in this physically demanding and exhilarating sport. As the first woman to break through in a predominantly male arena, Adam is an inspiration and role model for aspiring female athletes everywhere.
As the countdown to the Paralympic team selection continues, all eyes are on Sarah Adam and her journey towards making history. Forever Sports Online will be following her progress closely, celebrating her achievements, and championing the inclusion and empowerment of women in wheelchair rugby.
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