ST. LOUIS — A Saint Louis University assistant professor won silver Monday in the 2024 Paralympic Games as part of Team USA.
First-time Paralympian Sarah Adam competed in wheelchair rugby against seven other teams. Adam is an assistant professor of occupational science and occupational therapy at Saint Louis University.
Adam made history as the first woman to play on the U.S. wheelchair rugby team. The team also included St. Louis-area natives Eric Newby and Chuck Melton.
She was in the starting lineup when Team USA kicked off its campaign on Thursday in the team's 51-48 win against Canada, scoring six times in the victory. The team earned silver Tuesday after losing 41-48 to Japan in the Gold Medal Game.
“Though it’s an absolute honor to be the first female, I’ve worked hard to earn a spot on this team and to ensure that I’m seen as an athlete first," she said.
Adam’s journey in wheelchair rugby began in 2013 when, as a non-disabled volunteer at a regional parasport event, she was introduced to the sport that would later become her passion.
Adam's life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
At the 2023 Parapan American Games, Adam not only became the first woman ever to claim gold in wheelchair rugby at the Parapan American Games, but she was one of the top athletes on the court as well.
She scored the second-highest point total of the tournament and helped guarantee Team USA a coveted spot at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Adding to her accolades, Adam played a crucial role in her team earning the silver medal at the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in the sport. Her latest achievements have now cemented her place in Paralympic history.
