Jim Roberts

Wheelchair Rugby won their first ever Paralympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 in a historic 54-49 victory over USA with Jim Roberts scoring 24 tries in the process. Jim Roberts was a successful Welsh cross country runner when he caught bacterial meningitis whilst an under graduate at Coventry University. This resulted in a prolonged stay in hospital, and the amputation of both his legs. A nurse who supported his rehab, introduced him to the sport of Wheelchair Rugby and Jim quickly became an influential force in the game.

Leaving hospital in 2010, Jim returned to his studies, gaining a 1st Class honours degree in Architectural Design. He was picked for the development squad in 2012 and made his GB debut in 2013 at the European Championships. Jim has played on both sides of the Atlantic – for Phoenix Heat in the winter and London WRC in the summer – winning national honours for both teams and gaining recognition as MVP at the US Nationals in 2015.

At the European Championships in September 2015, Jim was awarded Best in Class, clinching the winning goal to reclaim the European title after 8 years, and gaining automatic qualification to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

Following his performance at the Rio Paralympics in September 2016, Jim was highlighted by the International wheelchair rugby Federation (IWRF) as a player to watch in 2017. Jim was again awarded Best in Class at the 2017 Europeans, after the team had successfully defended and retained their European title.

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

2013 European Championships – 3rd