Sophie Carrigill

SOPHIE CARRIGILL

Basketball
Sophie Carrigill
"Wheelchair basketball has challenged me to think positively about my disability. To see past any boundaries and to do what it takes to be the best."
#TeamSunrise

IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME

After months of rehabilitation, Sophie discovered wheelchair basketball through her local club the Leeds Spiders. "Wheelchair basketball was kind of similar to the sports that I'd played before my injury. I knew I wanted to play a team sport - and the local wheelchair basketball club was only down the road from where I lived. It's a sport that anyone can play and it's a great way to make friends".

After being inspired by the London 2012 Games, Sophie decided to play competitively, setting herself the goal to reach Team GB. "The sport involves a lot of dedication. Whether it's getting up at 6am every day for training or having to make the right choices by missing out on time with friends - it's mentally demanding. I love that I get to play and train every day with my extended family. I love how competitive it is around the world. Everyone is doing what they can to be the best".

Wheelchair basketball has challenged me to think positively about my disability. To see past any boundaries and to do what it takes to be the best. It means everything to me".

#TeamSunrise

PARALYSED AT 16

Born on the 19th January 1994, Sophie Carrigill always considered herself as a very outgoing person, who loved life and had a passion for sports (particularly netball). Unfortunately, her life changed forever in 2010 when Sophie was involved in a car accident whilst in the United States - "it almost killed me, I damaged my organs and broke my back and spinal cord at the T6, which left me paralysed at the age of 16".

"I love that I get to play and train every day with my extended family. I love how competitive it is around the world. Everyone is doing what they can to be the best."
My sports wheelchair
"The RGK Elite basketball wheelchair just fits my style of play. It works really well for me."
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My everyday wheelchair
"I love my RGK Tiga wheelchair. It's stylish, easy to use and most importantly lightweight."

Road to Glory

2019
Wheelchair basketball European Championships - Rotterdam

Silver medal

2018
Wheelchair basketball World Championships - Hamburg

Silver medal

2017
Wheelchair basketball European Championships - Tenerife

Bronze medal

2016
Paralympic Games (Rio)
4th Place
2015
European Championships
Bronze Medal
2015
U25 World Championships
Gold Medal
2014
U25 European Championships
Silver Medal
2013
European Championships
Bronze Medal