ST. LOUIS—Sarah Adam, a SLU assistant professor, is bringing home a silver medal from the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. 

Adam made history as the first woman named to the Wheel Chair Rugby team. 

She helped the team keep its medal streak alive during Monday’s gold medal game where Japan won 48-41. 

Adam also played during the team’s 51-48 win against Canada last week where she scored six times.

“Though it’s an absolute honor to be the first female, I’ve worked hard to earn a spot on this team and to ensure that I’m seen as an athlete first," she said. 

She wasn’t the only local athlete on the team. Eric Newby from Nashville, Ill. was co-captain of the team. He won silver in the past two Paralympics. 

Adam’s was introduced to the sport in 2013 as a non-disabled volunteer at a regional parasport event. Her life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

After winning the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in November, the elite team earned a spot in the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

When not on the rugby field, she is an assistant professor of occupational science and occupational therapy at SLU.