ParalympicsGB's Kieran Flynn reveals how wheelchair rugby 'saved his life'

Kieran Flynn will make his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, close to a decade after wheelchair rugby 'saved his life'.

ParalympicsGB have announced the 12 wheelchair rugby players making the trip to the French capital this summer, with Britain seeking to defend their Paralympic crown won at Tokyo 2020.

Flynn, 32, is one of five debutants in the squad, hoping to play his part in repeating the historic feat achieved at Tokyo 2020, which saw ParalympicsGB win their first-ever gold in the sport.

A talented rugby player throughout his life, playing as a centre for Nantwich and Crewe, Flynn's athletic aspirations looked doomed after sustaining a spinal injury from a tackle in 2013.

With his mental and physical health spiralling, Flynn turned back to the sport he loved to get him back on track - sparking a journey that would lead him to the Paralympics.

"There was a guy that came into the spinal unit all the time and he was like,'you need to try wheelchair rugby,'he said. "As soon as I did, I was hooked.

"Unfortunately by that time I'd put on a lot of weight - I ballooned up to like 21 stone. It's not just been for my mental health, for my physical health it's been instrumental.

"For anybody that suffers a life changing injury or is born with a disability, the benefits that sport can offer is really endless.

"I know it's sort of a cliche thing to say, but wheelchair rugby has literally saved my life, physically and mentally.

"I'm obviously in a really good place now and proud to be representing Great Britain."

Flynn will play alongside wheelchair rugby royalty, seeking wisdom from the likes of captain Gareth Walker and Jonathan Coggan, with the latter having selected for every Games since Athens 2004.

He's elated to reach the pinnacle of his sport, even if it wasn't the sporting dream he envisaged as a child.

"My dream as a kid growing up was to play for Liverpool," he said. "Obviously, there was a very slim chance of that happening way back when, and there's zero chance of it happening now.

"But to represent Great Britain, I can't tell you how proud I feel. Not just for the Paralympics, but each and every day.

"It's hard to put into words. Since I broke my neck in 2013, it was always my dream to represent my country.

"To go and do it on the world stage with that Union Jack on our sleeves and with the whole of Great Britain behind us, speaking to the guys that have done two or three Paralympics, they just tell you what a special moment it is. I just can't wait to get out there."

Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024

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