For 12 years, Ryley avoided using a wheelchair – opting instead for a skateboard – to feel more comfortable with his peers at school. But luckily, thanks to a timely visit from two-time Paralympian Brad Dubberley, Ryley was inspired to pursue a career in Paralympic sport.

Today, he is a once-in-a-generation athlete.

Ryley made his Paralympic debut as the youngest wheelchair rugby player in the world to compete at the Paralympic Games. He went on to compete at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games before leading the Australian wheelchair rugby team - the Steelers - to their first gold medal in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Ryley was the Australian Paralympic Rugby Team co-captain at Tokyo 2020, his fifth Paralympic Games.

Ryley made history by winning consecutive Paralympic gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016, along with a World Championship title in 2014 as part of the Steelers wheelchair rugby team, defeating the USA 59-58 in an intense double-overtime match.

READ OUR Q&A WITH RYLEY