Sarah Adam on Thursday became the first American woman to participate in wheelchair rugby at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Playing alongside 11 other men, Adam made several winning plays in Team USA’s 51-48 win over Canada in the group stage opener at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.
With 5:33 left in the first quarter, Adam made more history when she scored on her first try, becoming the first woman to convert a try at the Paralympics. The video board at the arena highlighted her significant achievement, and she received a loud ovation.
After the win, Adam said she was thrilled to be leading the way for women in wheelchair rugby.
“It is a really exciting time for women in sports,” Adam said. “It is great to see us getting the recognition we’ve always deserved. I am so glad that fans will have the opportunity to fall in love with our stories and our sports and to get to do all this alongside this amazing team is truly an honor. I have worked hard to become an elite athlete and am proud to be part of this team.”
In an interview with USA Today, Adam said she wants to be “seen as any other athlete” and not given special treatment due to her gender. The 33-year-old hoped that the excessive attention on her would cease as she and her teammates pursued a gold medal in wheelchair rugby.
