Chris Bond

Wheelchair rugby superstar Chris Bond was 19-years-old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. Contracting a severe bowel infection during his treatment which quickly developed into gangrene, doctors were forced to amputate both his legs below the knee, his left hand, and right fingers.

In learning to adjust to life with prosthetic limbs, Chris discovered Para-sport, first as a swimmer and then in the wheelchair rugby arena. At the suggestion of head coach of the Australian team Brad Dubberley, Chris began competing in the wheelchair rugby national league, making his international debut in 2011 to ultimately become one of the best 3.5 players in the world.

Instrumental in the Steelers’ first ever gold medal win at a Paralympic Games, Chris ranks their London 2012 victory among his greatest sporting moments to date, never having experienced such a rush of adrenaline and endorphins.

Following their 51-66 defeat of rivals Canada in the gold medal match at London 2012, the Steelers became the first team in wheelchair rugby history to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals and a World Championship title in a four-year period, defeating the USA 59-58 in a double-overtime thriller at Rio 2016.

With just five seconds left on the clock, Chris scored his 21^st goal of the match to secure the Steelers’ famed triumph.

Mitchelton local Chris looks to his inner circle for inspiration, admiring the strength and composure of his parents during his time in hospital, as well his fiancée, Australian wheelchair basketballer Bridie Kean, who understands the life of an athlete.

Outside of training and competition, Chris enjoys being outdoors and exploring the wilderness.