But with a World Cup gold medal around their necks, Shae Graham believes the team has what it takes to reignite the golden era.<\/p>\n
\ufeffREAD MORE:<\/strong> Liverpool debut Slot era as great's reminisce survives<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Cornes takes issue with 'laughing stock' Rachele act<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Winger's season over as careless tackle halts epic comeback<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n "\ufeffIt was heartbreaking [placing fourth in Tokyo]," Graham told Nine's Wide World of Sports<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n "Coming into a team that had all that expectation of winning all the time to then not being able to do that was hard to experience.<\/p>\n "\ufeffIt gave us a moment to step back, reset and focus on what we want to make the Steelers.<\/p>\n "We've come together and created a new way of moving forward, wanting to win, and present ourselves as athletes."<\/p>\n Watch every moment, every medal of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9, 9Gem and <\/strong><\/em>9Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a>. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on <\/strong><\/em>Stan Sport<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Graham's introduction to the sport differed from those of her teammates.<\/p>\n Undertaking rehabilitation following a devastating car accident that left the then 18-year-old unable to walk, with a fractured spine and pelvis, brain injury and ruptured bladder, Graham made a simple bet with her brother.<\/p>\n \ufeffWithin a matter of time, the Melbourne-based librarian saw the bet became reality as her prior brutal assessment of the sport shifted to become one of great joy and determination.<\/p>\n In 2019, Graham made history \ufeffas the first female to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby. In Paris, she will be joined by two female teammates. \ufeff<\/p>\n "It's been a really exciting period to be a member of the Steelers," Graham said.<\/p>\n "I went into the game just wanting to represent my country playing a sport that I loved. Becoming the first woman to do that was an extra treat.<\/p>\n "Being a part of the Steelers as we really grow female participation in the sport and be the leader in that growth worldwide has been an amazing experience."<\/p>\n The 12-player team will commence their Paralympic campaign against Great Britain on August 29.<\/p>\n Help Australia's para-athletes get to Paris!<\/strong><\/em> Click here to donate<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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