Sarah Adam, a successful occupational therapist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22 while halfway through her graduate program. She initially struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis and kept it from her family. However, she eventually turned to sports, particularly wheelchair rugby, to cope with her diagnosis and maintain an active lifestyle. Despite concerns about how using a wheelchair would be perceived, Adam recognized the freedom it provided and embraced using it full time.
After starting to play wheelchair rugby competitively in 2019, Adam experienced significant success in the sport. She made her international debut at the Americas Championship in 2022, winning gold, and later won silver at the World Championships. Adam’s focus is now on the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where she will compete on the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team. In April, she made history as the first woman named to the U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Team, and she aims to inspire other athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
Adam’s journey has not only been about excelling in sports, but also about breaking down stereotypes and barriers for female athletes with disabilities. She hopes to show others that anything is possible in life, despite facing adversity and challenges. By emphasizing that everyone has their own struggles and disabilities, Adam aims to shift the focus from the disability itself to the person and athlete behind it. Her perseverance, determination, and dedication to her sport serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
As Adam navigated her own journey with multiple sclerosis, she initially struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis and withheld the information from her family for seven months. However, her use of sports as an outlet helped her cope and maintain a sense of normalcy in her life after the diagnosis. Adam’s decision to take up wheelchair rugby competitively also played a significant role in her acceptance of using a wheelchair full time, as it provided her with a sense of freedom and reduced the physical strain on her body.
Despite initial concerns about how using a wheelchair would be perceived, Adam eventually prioritized her own well-being and convenience by embracing the device full time. She realized that using a wheelchair not only made her life easier and more enjoyable, but also allowed her to participate fully in activities and maintain her independence. By demonstrating the benefits of using a wheelchair in her daily life and in sports, Adam hopes to inspire understanding and acceptance of those with disabilities in society. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of individual determination and resilience in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
