The Gliders path to the 2024 Paris Paralympics has come to an end after falling short to Japan at the IWBF Women's Repechage tournament last week.
The tone was quickly set by the host nation after a hot start, who took the lead into the first quarter and surged ahead to an 18-point buffer at half time.
The more seasoned Japanese team successfully outpaced the Aussies, securing a commanding 26-50 win, and ultimately shattering the Gliders' 2024 Paralympic dreams.
Despite the disappointment felt within the team, Head Coach Craig Campbell maintains an optimistic outlook as he carefully considers the program's future direction.
“Whilst we weren’t able to punch our ticket to Paris 2024 Paralympics, seeing the advances made in emerging athletes like Laura Davoli and also Georgia Munro-Cook posting big numbers is promising and something we will look to build on as our focus turns towards 2026 World Championships in Ottawa, Canada,” said Craig Campbell, Australian Gliders Head Coach.
“The campaign changes, but the calendar still has the Ford BALLIN’24 series in Melbourne for the Gliders to compete on home soil in the sporting capital of the world, which we are all looking forward to.”
The cycle of opportunity for the Gliders and their athletes is ongoing, and as demand increases for the sport globally, the chances to compete do as well.
“World Championships in 2026 are obviously on the radar, but we also have the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) coming up for our athletes, providing greater competition as well as a number also playing in the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL),” said Campbell.
“Training recommences this week for athletes as we continue to look forward to future tournaments.”
When asked on the next wave, Campbell points to the recent National Junior Wheelchair Championships in Queensland.
“There were some strong performances at the National Junior Wheelchair Championships by players like Katelin Gunn, Sarah King, Victoria Simpson and Breanna Fisk. The depth of our squad will continue to grow into future successes for the Gliders,” added Campbell.
The Gliders will be in Melbourne for Ford BALLIN'24 from 2 – 5 July playing alongside the Boomers, Seven Consulting Opals, Rollers and Gangurrus 3x3 at John Cain Arena.
Tickets available from Ticketek
