20 October, 2025 - Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability

The competition course was tough, but near-perfect conditions and an enthusiastic crowd made for an exciting day at the Para Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong.

Lauren Parker won her fifth women’s PTWC world title, with Thomas Fruehwirth (AUT) taking the men’s wheelchair crown. Dave Ellis and guide Luke Pollard (GBR) raced to gold in the men’s visually impaired event, while Susana Rodriguez overcame a fall to win the women’s PTVI category.

Paralympic Champions led in the next rounds: Chris Hammer (USA) won PTS5, Alexis Hanquinquant (FRA) claimed his eighth title in PTS4, and Grace Norman (USA) kept her win streak alive. Anu Francis took PTS2 gold for Australia, and Elise Marc (FRA) dominated the women’s PTS3. Jules Ribstein stayed on top for France in men’s PTS2.

Four powerchair football players compete on an indoor court, each using a motorized wheelchair equipped with protective metal guards. One player is positioned near a large, colorful ball, while others maneuver nearby, wearing team uniforms. Spectator seats and officials are visible in the background.

While his classmates studied for exams, 17-year-old Jack Parry was making his debut for Australia’s national powerchair football team, the Poweroos, who claimed victory at the 2025 Asia Pacific Oceania Cup in Brisbane.

Parry, the youngest player on the team, discovered the sport at a come-and-try day when he was 10. “It’s shown me what’s possible when you’re not held back by your disability,” the Brisbane student said.

Powerchair football is a fast, four-a-side version of soccer played with specially designed electric chairs that can send the ball flying at high speed.

Teammate and veteran player Tristram Peters has been involved in the sport for more than 15 years and said mentoring new athletes like Parry was “reassuring and empowering.”

The Poweroos are self-funded, with players covering their own costs to represent Australia. Player Rebecca Evans said she spent about $10,000 to compete in the tournament but wouldn’t change it for the world. “The community in powerchair football is amazing, they’re my second family,” she said.

With the sport continuing to grow, the Australian Powerchair Football Association hopes to secure a place for powerchair football at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.