Richard Voris (Wheelchair rugby)

Richard Voris (born 14 May 1991) is an Australian wheelchair rugby player. He represented the Steelers at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, his first Games.[1]

Richard Voris
Richard Voris in 2020
Personal information
NationalityAustralian
Born (1991-05-14) 14 May 1991 (age 32)
Sport
Country Australia
SportWheelchair rugby
Disability class1.5
Medal record
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2022 Vejle Mixed

Personal edit

Richard Voris was born 14 May 1991.[2] As a 19-year-old apprentice electrician, one of friends jumped on Voris in a backyard swimming pool and crushed his neck.[2] This left Voris as an incomplete C6-7 quadriplegic.[3] In 2012, he contracted an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis. In 2018, his myasthenia gravis was triggered and led to him undergoing plasmapheresis every two weeks and having steroid injections to help offset fatigue.

He grew up in Winmalee, New South Wales.[4] In 2021, he lives in Sydney, New South Wales.

Wheelchair rugby edit

Voris is classified as 1.5 wheelchair rugby player.[2] He took up wheelchair rugby two years after his accident.[3] Voris missed out on selection for 2016 Summer Paralympics. He is a member of NSW Gladiators team.

At the 2020 Summer Paralympics, the Steelers finished fourth after being defeated by Japan 52–60 in the bronze medal game.COVID travel restrictions led to Steelers not having a team training since March 2020 prior to Tokyo.[5]

Voris won his first world championship gold medal at the 2022 IWRF World Championship in Vejle, Denmark, when Australia defeated the United States . [6]

References edit

  1. ^ "Steelers Eyeing Paralympic History… Again". Paralympics Australia. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Richard Voris". Paralympics Australia. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b Tuffield, Rhiannon (11 February 2019). "Wheelchair rugby player and quadriplegic Richard Voris has high hopes for Tokyo Paralympics". ABC News. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  4. ^ Cunningham, Ilsa (21 June 2019). "Winmalee athletes Richard Voris and Chad Graham ready for Wheelchair Rugby National Championships". Blue Mountains Gazette. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Australia names wheelchair rugby team of 12 for Tokyo 2020". Inside The Games. 31 July 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Australian Steelers Are World Wheelchair Rugby Champions". Paralympics Australia. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.

External links edit