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The Australian Steelers will return home from a Paralympic Games without a medal in wheelchair rugby for the first time in 17 years.
Japan recorded an emphatic 60-52 victory over the Steelers in Sunday’s bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020, leaving Australian players and coaching staff overcome by emotion upon realisation that the most dominant reign in the sport’s history had come to end.
Before Tokyo 2020, the Australians contested the past three Paralympic and three World Championship gold medal matches. Playing for bronze was a feeling they didn’t want and were completely unaccustomed to.
But haunted by a disrupted preparation, in which all 12 Steelers did not train together in the one location between March 2020 and August 2021, their Paralympic title defence never really threatened the other leading teams in Tokyo.
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With Mick Ozanne’ illness that saw him miss two matches adding to a general lack of match-practice, losses against Denmark and Japan in the pool rounds only compounded the Steelers’ woes.
And as much as their trademark big-game experience, professionalism and unwavering desire did allow them to progress as far as they did, there was always a sense this week that Tokyo 2020 was never going to be their tournament.
Japan seized the opportunity presented to them by Ozanne’s absence and the Steelers’ diminished arsenal at both ends of the floor.
They led by five tries at half-time and then completely dominated the third quarter as rushed passes, poor judgement and basic handling errors from the Steelers shut them out of the contest.
A visibly upset Australian captain Ryley Batt said the loss would take some time to process.
He also admitted it was an occasion of mixed emotions as he proudly played in his 313th match for Australia, surpassing the Steelers all-time record of 312 previously held by Nazim Erdem.
“It’s been a fairly upsetting week. We knew we were up for some challenges but our results haven’t been the best,” Batt said.
“It’s going to hurt watching every other team receive a medal and not us, but that’s just what happens when you’re not the best.”
“We’re disappointed we couldn’t pull out more wins or make games closer. We tried but we’ve had a really good run, we’ve won two gold medals, we’ve won a silver. Unfortunately, teams can’t be at the top forever.”
“We’ll just soak this in. It hurts, but we’ll go and enjoy some time off. Spend it with friends and family who have supported us on this journey and through this five-year campaign.
“We’ve still got a future, it’s not over. It’s just another three years away (to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games).
Batt was also asked to address his future in the sport, with rumours circulating that he is seriously contemplating retirement.
“I’ve definitely got gas left in the tank, I just want to take a few months out and get back to a life with my family and friends and enjoy it.
“I’m going to take some time and think about life. Doesn’t mean I’m retiring, doesn’t mean I’m not.
“I’m going to enjoy this moment with the team, have a few beers in the changing room and go be a co-captain for the Australian Paralympic Team now for the next week, something I’m very proud of and passionate about.
“I got married in 2015 and I still haven’t had a honeymoon with my wife, so I think I owe her a honeymoon and a bit of a holiday.”
In the gold medal match, Great Britain reached the top of the Paralympic podium for the first time by defeating the United States 54-49.
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By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 29 August 2021
