Ryley Batt(Australia／Wheelchair Rugby)「WHO I AM」Paralympic Documentary Series【WOWOW】

Summary

This transcript captures the journey of an individual overcoming adversity and pushing physical and emotional limits in the world of wheelchair rugby. Despite struggling with injuries and being perceived as aggressive, the athlete reflects on their growth and resilience. Their story highlights the importance of mobility, independence, and pushing boundaries—both personal and athletic. Through challenges like a late hit during a critical match and ongoing physical tolls, they strive to maintain their competitive edge. The transcript also touches on their pride in their achievements, including a back-to-back gold medal, and their role in inspiring others.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker acknowledges being perceived as aggressive and mean on the court, but affirms this is part of who they are.
• 😀 The speaker is currently recovering from an injury and estimates being at 70% of their full strength.
• 😀 Australia’s wheelchair rugby team made history by winning back-to-back gold medals at the Paralympic Games.
• 😀 The speaker expresses pride in teammate Reilly, describing him as an incredible person and human being.
• 😀 Despite challenges, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting people as they are.
• 😀 A pivotal moment in the speaker's life involved riding a motorbike, which symbolized a breakthrough in mobility and independence.
• 😀 The speaker believes that overcoming obstacles involves asking how and when to accomplish things rather than viewing them as impossible.
• 😀 The speaker has faced physical pain and injuries over time, with a specific mention of a head injury sustained in a game in Rio.
• 😀 The speaker continues to prioritize rehabilitation and recovery to ensure their shoulder injury doesn’t happen again.
• 😀 The speaker hints that their upcoming participation in the 2020 games might be their last, but they are determined to maintain their ranking as the world’s number one.

Q & A

What personal challenges does the speaker mention in the transcript?

The speaker mentions dealing with physical injuries, including a shoulder injury from a hit during a game in Rio, which has taken a toll on their body. They also express the ongoing struggle with pain and recovery.

How does the speaker view their identity as an athlete?

The speaker describes themselves as aggressive and mean on the court, acknowledging that most teams around the world may not like them. However, they express pride in their identity, stating, 'this is who I am.'

What significant achievement does the speaker mention regarding their team?

The speaker celebrates their team's victory in wheelchair rugby, mentioning that they won back-to-back gold medals, marking a historic achievement for Australia in this sport.

What is the speaker's perspective on overcoming obstacles?

The speaker emphasizes resilience, noting that they don't view challenges as things they cannot do but instead as things they must figure out how to achieve. They focus on problem-solving and taking action.

How does the speaker describe the impact of riding a motorbike on their life?

Riding the motorbike was a pivotal moment for the speaker, providing them with independence and pushing their boundaries. It became a symbol of their ability to achieve things they once thought impossible.

What injury did the speaker suffer during the Rio Paralympics?

The speaker was hit late during the celebration of a game in Rio, which resulted in a shoulder injury. They mention that it was an unexpected hit that left them unprepared, but they are working on strengthening the shoulder to prevent future injuries.

How does the speaker approach their future in the sport?

The speaker acknowledges that their body is taking a toll and that they may be facing their last game in 2020, but they are committed to maintaining the number one spot in the world, showing determination to continue despite the challenges.

What personal philosophy does the speaker express in the transcript?

The speaker believes in accepting people as they are and pushing through personal limits. Their journey has been about overcoming limitations, and they continue to find ways to do things they once thought impossible.

What is the significance of the speaker's achievements in the context of wheelchair rugby?

The speaker's achievements, such as winning back-to-back gold medals, showcase the team's excellence in wheelchair rugby and their role in setting records in the sport. It highlights the speaker's dedication and success at the highest level of competition.

How does the speaker reflect on the importance of training and preparation?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of smart training, acknowledging that there is still a lot of work to do. They mention understanding the need for strategic preparation, especially after an injury, to ensure they stay competitive.