Shae Graham

Shae Graham’s journey from a sports-loving teenager to becoming a trailblazing Paralympian and athlete isn’t the classic tale of achieving childhood dreams, but rather a narrative woven with resilience, twists of fate, and an unmistakable Aussie spirit.

At 18, Shae's life took a tragic turn when she was involved in a car accident in Mackay, QLD, leaving her with a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury, fractured spine and pelvis, a brain injury, and a ruptured bladder. However, her unwavering determination and an inherent refusal to accept limitations defined her recovery, which spanned nine months of hospitalisation and rehabilitation. 

After nearly a decade away from Para-sport, a bet with her brother reignited Shae’s competitive spirit. Reluctant at first, she entered the world of wheelchair rugby and quickly rose to prominence as the first female member of Australia’s national team, the Steelers. Her international debut at the 2019 Four Nations in Alabama, USA, showcased her talent, leading to her inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic squad. Shae was also the first female to sit on the board of World Wheelchair Rugby.

Tokyo marked a pivotal moment in Shae’s career, despite falling short of the podium. Undeterred, she and her teammates found redemption at the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Denmark, securing a historic victory. Alongside Ella Sabljak and Emilie Millier, Shae made history yet again as part of the first all-female trio on a World Championship-winning team. 

Off the court, Shae balances her athletic pursuits with a career as a librarian, a role that fuels her passion for books and knowledge, with the dream of one day owning a bookshop of her own. 

Shae’s storytelling is unfiltered and raw, reflecting her journey of loss, fear, resilience, and seizing every opportunity. She’s not only fuelled by her own drive to succeed, but to also pave the way for other women and girls in male dominated sports. Shae passionately believes in the healing and educational power of stories, inspiring audiences with her unique blend of determination, grit, and heartfelt vulnerability.