Eric Newby

Started: He took up wheelchair rugby in 2006. His first club was the St. Louis Rams Wheelchair Rugby team in Missouri, United States of America. (teamusa.org, 24 May 2021; purpose2play.com, 04 Jun 2015) Reason: His rehabilitation therapist suggested he watch the documentary 'Murderball', which focuses on the rivalry between the US and Canadian wheelchair rugby teams in the lead-up to the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. "Seeing guys [in the documentary] who were lower-functioning than me live independently inspired me. It was a lifesaver. It's kind of like high-speed chess with contact." (thetelegraph.com, 12 Aug 2021; purpose2play.com, 04 Jun 2015) Awards: He was named the 2013 Athlete of the Year by the United States Quad Rugby Association [USQRA]. (purpose2play.com, 04 Jun 2015) Additional Info: RETIREMENT PLANS He expects that Paris 2024 will be his final Paralympic Games. "I've got two young kids at home. Every time I travel, it gets a little bit harder and harder to get away from them. I'm a very intelligent player, and I'd like to transition into some type of coaching role. It's definitely driving me to do everything a little bit harder and a little bit more intentional this year, that's for sure." (teamusa.com, 22 Nov 2023) OCCUPATION He has worked as marketing director for the Disabled Athlete Sports Association in St. Louis, MO, United States of America. He has also worked in community outreach for Vantage Mobility International, a company that specialises in converting and optimising vehicles for use with wheelchairs in the United States of America. (Facebook profile, 22 Jan 2024; usawr.org, 01 Jan 2023; thetelegraph.com, 12 Aug 2021; USA Wheelchair Rugby Facebook page, 26 Jun 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION In 2021 he graduated with a master's degree in marketing from DeVry University in the United States of America. (dasasports.org, 01 Jan 2024; LinkedIn profile, 01 Jan 2022)