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🇦🇺 Australia /Sports

Paralysed golfer aims for 2032 Paralympics after accident recovery

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Chris Perry aims to compete in adaptive golf at the 2032 Paralympic Games after a 2024 accident left him paralyzed.
  • Perry, who was told he would never walk again, found motivation in adaptive golf and has won national competitions.
  • The International Golf Federation is campaigning for golf's inclusion in the Paralympics, with a decision expected later this year.

Chris Perry, a father of two, is determined to compete in adaptive golf at the 2032 Paralympic Games, a goal he set after a severe bicycle accident in 2024 left him paralyzed from the neck down. Told he would likely be a quadriplegic for life, Perry found a new purpose and a path to recovery through adaptive golf.

It kind of lit a fire into me to get involved with adaptive golf. Just to be able to get out there on the course itself because I know I spent countless hours in hospital trying to get right. Golf's the reward for all the hard work.

— Chris PerryPerry describes how the prospect of adaptive golf in the Paralympics motivated his recovery.

"It kind of lit a fire into me to get involved with adaptive golf," Perry said. "Just to be able to get out there on the course itself because I know I spent countless hours in hospital trying to get right. Golf's the reward for all the hard work." Previously a casual golfer, Perry has now embraced competitive adaptive play, winning the Sunshine Coast adaptive golf competition and the Golf Australia All Abilities championship this year.

I think what I was told and what I wanted to achieve were two completely different things.

— Chris PerryPerry reflects on his determination to overcome the prognosis after his accident.

The International Golf Federation (IGF) is actively campaigning for golf's inclusion in the Paralympic Games, with a decision from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) expected later this year. This follows unsuccessful attempts for the Paris and Los Angeles Games. Christian Hamilton, IGF's head of disability inclusion, expressed optimism about meeting classification requirements for the sport.

Classification is a major component of para-sport. We've done all that work, and we're now seen as a compliant sport.

— Christian HamiltonChristian Hamilton, IGF's head of disability inclusion, discusses the efforts to meet Paralympic classification rules.

Perry's physiotherapist described adaptive golf as "perfect" for rehabilitation, aiding balance, arm movement, and stamina. Perry has been placed in the Standing 1 category for adaptive golf, which is for players with impaired standing balance or significant limb impairments. His coach believes he has ample time to hone his skills for potential qualification.

perfect

— PhysiotherapistPerry's physiotherapist describes the suitability of adaptive golf for his rehabilitation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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