In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Sarah Adam, a Paralympic silver medalist in wheelchair rugby, professor in the Occupational Therapy program at Saint Louis University, and holder of a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University. Sarah has been a trailblazer in adaptive sports and academia, shattering barriers as the first woman to represent the U.S. in wheelchair rugby at the Paralympics.
We kick off the conversation with Sarah explaining what wheelchair rugby is—also known as “Murderball”—a high-intensity, strategic sport that’s as physical as it is mentally demanding. Sarah shares the monumental significance of breaking into this historically male-dominated sport and the weight of representing women in adaptive athletics on the world stage.
Sarah recounts the unforgettable moment she scored at the Paralympics, making history while bringing home a silver medal for Team USA. From intense training regimens to the demands of balancing elite athletic performance with her academic career, Sarah offers a glimpse into her world where passion and perseverance collide.
We also delve into the intersection of her expertise in occupational therapy and her career as an adaptive athlete. She shares how her professional knowledge informs her approach to recovery and injury prevention, and how her work inspires independence for others with disabilities.
Sarah opens up about overcoming challenges, confronting ableism, and embracing her identity both on and off the court. Her candid reflections on mental toughness, moments of self-doubt, and strategies for building resilience are a testament to her unyielding spirit.
As a certified badass, Sarah even shares some of the coolest perks of her Paralympic fame and the surprising truths about life as an adaptive athlete.
Whether you're an athlete, academic, or simply looking for inspiration, Sarah Adam's journey is one you won’t want to miss!