Wheelchair Warrior: Amy Conroy Returns to the Court for Paris 2024

By Megan Armitage in Paris

Amy Conroy, a stalwart of Great Britain's wheelchair basketball team, has returned to the court for the first time since the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, her sights set on a historic medal at Paris 2024. The 31-year-old from Norwich has overcome a challenging period, with a difficult surgery on her amputated leg in 2023 and a concussion in early 2024 keeping her sidelined from competitive play.

Her last appearance in the GB kit was three years ago in Tokyo, but Conroy made a triumphant return in the opening game of the Paris Paralympics, contributing to a dominant 69-34 victory over Spain. This win sets the stage for a potential medal run in Paris, which would be ParalympicsGB's first ever medal in women's wheelchair basketball.

"It's my first international game for GB since Tokyo," said Conroy, who is one of over 1,000 elite athletes on UK Sport's National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, providing them with full-time training, access to world-class coaches, and cutting-edge medical support. "I never thought I'd be here. I had a bad concussion for months, and I'm just so grateful to be here. I'm not taking anything for granted."

Despite her nerves upon entering the game, Conroy's teammates and a clear plan helped her focus on the moment. "Hopefully I can build from here and take that confidence back," she said. "We can't not take confidence from each other during that game. Thank goodness it's a team sport."

Looking ahead, Conroy is determined to build on her comeback performance. "We have a massive game against Canada in a few days, and I really believe in us," she stated confidently.

While sidelined from the sport, Conroy wasn't idle. Unable to train on the court, she prioritised mindfulness and mental preparation, a strategy that proved crucial in her return. "In the past, I've always been about leaving no stone unturned," she explained. "But last year, with the leg surgery and the concussion, I spent every day unable to do anything, just praying to get back. I haven't come in with the preparation I wanted because of that, so I've done a lot of mindset and mindfulness work."

Now at her fourth Paralympics, Conroy is relishing the opportunity to go for a medal. "I'm just so grateful to be here," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Every time I see my family in the crowd, I'm holding back tears. They've seen me through it all."

With her resilience and determination, Amy Conroy stands poised to make a significant impact on the Paris 2024 Paralympics, proving that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.