Beyond the Dream: Forged in Steel on Channel 9 looks at Australia’s wheelchair rugby team – Go behind the scenes with one of Australia’s most successful sporting outfits when Forged In Steel, the story of the Steelers, our Wheelchair Rugby team, premieres Monday, August 19, at 8.40pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Wheelchair Rugby has become one of the most watched Paralympic sports, and the Steelers have earned a formidable reputation in the run-up to Paris 2024. But what does it take to secure a place on this champion team?
With two Paralympic gold medals (2012, 2016) and two World Championships (2014, 2022), but a disappointing showing in Tokyo 2020 and a failure to earn direct qualification to Paris 2024 via the Asia Oceania qualifier, we follow the Steelers as they claw their way back to the top of the world.
Forged In Steel, part of Nine’s special Beyond The Dream series, showcases the Steelers as they battled for their spot at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in a last-chance qualifying tournament in Wellington, New Zealand, in March this year, before taking on some of the world’s best teams at the Canada Cup in Vancouver in June.
This all-access documentary takes viewers into the meeting rooms for the heartwarming moments when Steelers coaches hand the athletes their place on the team, as well as the heartbreaking moments when others receive the crushing news that their Paralympic dreams are over.
Wheelchair Rugby is a brutal and intense mixed-team sport where full contact between purpose-built wheelchairs is not only allowed but encouraged. Forged In Steel will explain the rules and technical aspects, as we see just why this is one of the most watched of all Paralympic sports.
The Steelers are a team of incredible personalities, with each Steeler having their own extraordinary story. The documentary will focus on four key players: Chris Bond, Ryley Batt, Shae Graham and James McQuillan.
Chris Bond is the team captain. Paris 2024 will be his final Paralympics. A viral infection at 18 resulted in the amputation of both his legs, left hand, and four fingers on his right hand.
Ryley Batt is the best Wheelchair Rugby player in the world. He has played for 20 years and isn’t ruling out retirement after Paris 2024. Born without legs, Ryley is an adrenaline junkie who loves boats, jet skis, quad bikes and 4WDing.
Shae Graham is the pioneer for Australian female Wheelchair Rugby players. She was the first female representative (2019) and female Paralympian (Tokyo 2020).
James McQuillan acquired his disability in an Aussie Rules accident in 2014, at the age of 20. He was a university student, studying physio at the time.
The Beyond The Dream series goes beyond the headlines to discover the untold stories that led to some of the greatest Olympic and Paralympic moments. With unprecedented access, this new documentary series will capture the raw spirit of some of the greatest athletes of all time.
Beyond The Dream: Forged in Steel is produced by Wide World of Sports, in association with Paralympics Australia and Good Shout, for the 9Network.
Beyond the Dream: Forged in Steel on Channel 9 and 9Now – Monday 19 August at 8:40pm
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Beyond the Dream: Forged in Steel on Channel 9 looks at Australia’s wheelchair rugby team
