Ryley Batt OAM, PLY

Ryley Batt is the greatest wheelchair rugby player the world has ever seen.

Ryley made his Paralympic debut as the youngest ever wheelchair rugby player to compete at the Paralympic Games. He reached the Paralympic podium for the first time four years later at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, and led the Australian wheelchair rugby team, the Steelers, to their first Paralympic gold medal in 2012. Incredibly, in the gold medal match alone, Ryley scored 37 of the Steelers’ 66 goals against the Canadian team.

After helping win the Steelers’ first world title in 2014, Ryley made history as a member of the first wheelchair rugby team to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals and a World Championship title in a four-year period, defeating the USA 59-58 in a double-overtime thriller at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

But all good things must come to an end, and in 2018, it was the Steelers’ six-year reign at major tournaments. Despite an unbeaten run to the gold medal match and a home-court advantage, they made an uncharacteristic and decisive error with 90 seconds to play to fall to Japan 62-61 at the 2018 International Wheelchair Rugby Federation Wheelchair Rugby World Championship.

In recognition of his leadership and popularity, Ryley was named as Co-Captain for the Australian Paralympic Team in Tokyo – a role he fulfilled with honour and dedication. He also carried the Australian flag into the games Opening Ceremony with co-captain, Danni Di Toro.

In 2022, he relinquished the Steelers captaincy to focus on his own performance – a decision that paid off handsomely for both him and the team. Heading into the World Championships and no-one gave the Steelers a chance. But a rejuvenated Ryley Batt added Player of the Series, Player of the Finals, Highest goal scorer and ultimately World Champion to his resume. Never doubt a champion.

At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, he was a member of the Steelers that won the bronze medal defeating Great Britain 50–48.