Chris Ryan

Wheelchair Rugby won their first ever Paralympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 in a historic 54-49 victory over USA. Initially a keen footballer, Chris found a passion for golf during his teens. With a handicap down to just 2, and a collection of Junior Open and scratch medals to his name, Chris was confident he knew what the future held. He enrolled at the Sports Academy for Golf in Colchester, and was studying for a B.Tech in Sports Evaluation and Performance, when the car he was a passenger in crashed in November 2008.

Like many of the GB squad members, Chris undertook his rehab at the spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville. He was introduced to wheelchair rugby by the unit’s sports therapist but, initially concerned with just getting on with life, Chris returned home to assess his options.

In 2010 he joined the London club and became inspired by the players with the same function as him, who had far greater independence and ability. Chris worked hard to improve his strength and speed and was put on the reserve list for London 2012. Chris was selected to the full squad in 2013, named vice captain in March 2014 and appointed national Captain in July 2015. In September 2015 he led the GB team to reclaim the European title after 8 years.

Chris made his Paralympic debut at the 2016 Rio Paralympic games where along with his Vice-captain Gavin Walker, he remained Captain.

At the 2019 European Championships Chris led the team to their third consecutive European title. Gavin remains as co-captain of the squad.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games: Gold

2016 Rio Paralympic Games – 5th

2019 European Championships, Denmark – 1st

2017 European Championships, Germany – 1st

2015 European Championships, Finland – 1st