Ryley Batt gets battle-ready for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Name
Ryley Batt
Born
22 May 1989
Sport
Wheelchair rugby
Olympic history
Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024
Paralympian Ryley Batt OAM first represented Australia at just 15 years old. Since then, he’s taken home gold twice in wheelchair rugby and earned himself MVP of the Australian Steelers multiple times, including as part of the winning team at the Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in 2022.
Named a ‘once in a generation' athlete by the International Paralympic Committee, this Toyota ambassador is ready for his next challenge at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“It’s the only Paralympic sport where knocking others out of their wheelchairs is encouraged!”
Q: What’s your biggest strength as an athlete?
A: It would have to be my experience. Paris will be my sixth Paralympic Games playing wheelchair rugby, and it will mark my 350th game representing Australia.
Q: You have so many accolades and accomplishments, it must be hard to keep count! Which are you most proud of and why?
A: It's hard not to focus on the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Gold medals! However, over the years, I've become more proud of the small part of the legacy and impact I’m creating for future generations.
Q: What makes wheelchair rugby such a compelling sport, and why should Australia tune in to wheelchair rugby at Paris 2024?
A: Australia should tune into wheelchair rugby at the Paris 2024 Paralympics because it’s the only Paralympic sport where knocking others out of their wheelchairs is encouraged!
Ryley Batt with his Toyota LandCruiser 300 in the GR Sport grade, the perfect SUV for a world-class athlete.
Q: What does being a ‘champion’ mean to you?
A: For me, being a champion means that you’ve succeeded in the goals you set, you’ve been a role model for future athletes, and you’ve lived your life to the fullest.
Q: What do you love most about playing for your team, the Australian Steelers?
A: I love the community, camaraderie and friends within the team. Being able to throw on the green and gold jersey alongside your mates is something that I’ll cherish forever.
Q: How are you preparing for Paris 2024?
A: Preparation has been all about overcoming injuries leading into the Paris 2024 Paralympics. I moved from Port Macquarie to the Sunshine Coast to make the most from my rehab and recovery, while surrounding myself with many of my Steelers teammates.
Q: Final question. What’s your favourite way to relax and rejuvenate?
A: I’m a country boy at heart. So to unwind on the farm on a nice peaceful day is everything for me.