A Paralympic Legend Retires

Ryley Batt, the Australian wheelchair rugby superstar, has concluded his Paralympic career with a bronze medal at the Paris Games. This marks the end of an era for Australian Paralympic sport, as Batt and his long-time teammate Chris Bond have decided to step down.

Batt's journey to the top began unconventionally. Born without legs, he used a skateboard to get around until he was 12. A demonstration day at his school sparked his passion for wheelchair rugby, and he quickly rose to prominence.

At the age of 15, Batt became the youngest player at the Paralympics in Athens, where he won a silver medal. He continued to excel, becoming a key figure in Australia's dominant team between 2012 and 2016, winning back-to-back Paralympic gold medals and a world title.

Batt's incredible vision and responsiveness on the court allowed him to navigate through defenses with ease. He was a constant target for opponents, but his brilliance remained unmatched. In Paris, he scored a staggering 153 tries, contributing to 58% of Australia's total.

The physical demands of the sport have taken their toll on Batt. His shoulders have been repeatedly dislocated, and he has had to rely on extensive taping to continue playing.

Chris Bond, the Steelers' captain, has also been instrumental in the team's success. His calmness under pressure, combined with his strength and agility, made him an exceptional leader.

Together, Batt and Bond formed a formidable partnership, their instinctive creativity and understanding of each other's game resembling legendary sporting duos like Lynagh and Campese in rugby or Selwood and Ablett in AFL.

Their final match together was a testament to their incredible connection. Batt received a pass from Bond while being double-teamed, and with a no-look pass, he sent the ball back to Bond, who scored the winning try.

Batt's Paralympic career ends with two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. While he may feel a tinge of disappointment for not reaching the podium in every Games, his achievements are nothing short of remarkable.

We are fortunate to have witnessed Ryley Batt's brilliance on the world stage. His dedication and talent have inspired countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to motivate future generations of athletes.