Paralympic Medalist
Professor
Trailblazer
Paralympic Medalist
Professor
Trailblazer

Sarah Adam

Sarah Adam is a Paralympic silver medalist and the first woman to play, medal, and serve as captain for the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while in graduate school, she went on to become both an elite athlete and a professor of occupational therapy at Saint Louis University.

At a Glance

Sport
Wheelchair Rugby
Hometown
Naperville, Illinois
Current Residence
St. Louis, Missouri

About

  • Professor of Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University in Missouri            
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Washington University - St. Louis                    
  • Was introduced to wheelchair rugby in 2013 as an able-bodied volunteer at a regional para sport event
  • Played softball in high school and for one yearat Augustana College
  • Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016 while in Graduate School for Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis  
  • Began playing wheelchair rugby competitively in2019  
  • Honored with the National MS Society’s 2025 Limitless Award
  • Enjoys hosting game nights with friends and family
  • Classification: 2.5F  

Accolades

Paralympic Medalist

In 2024, became the first woman to be named to, play on, and medal by winning silver for the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team at the Paralympics

ParaPan American Games Champion

2023 ParaPan American Games Champion

Wheelchair Rugby World Championship Medalist

Wheelchair Rugby World Championship Medalist (2022, silver))

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