Jack Smith (North East Bulls Wheelchair Rugby Club)
Jack was an all-round sports fan growing up, but in 2008 whilst playing rugby he broke his neck whilst at the bottom of a ruck aged 16. Keen to get back into sport as quickly as possible, Jack was introduced to wheelchair rugby while in rehab at a spinal unit and knew immediately it was for him.
He joined the talent squad in 2015 and then played at the Quad Nations. Representing GB in Paris at the 2024 Games was Jack’s main aim with Tokyo ‘a dream’. He was one of four players in the GB squad at the Tokyo Paralympics from Leicester Tigers, where the team successfully won a Gold medal. Away from wheelchair rugby, Jack enjoys watching rugby union at his local club Billingham RFUC.
PREVIOUS PARALYMPICS: 1 (Tokyo 2021 – 1st)
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HONOURS: 2021 Quad Nations Winner, Tokyo 2021 Paralympics Gold Medal
Jamie Stead (Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Club)
A proud Yorkshireman, Jamie was born with cerebral palsy and a dream of becoming a professional athlete which led to him trying a number of sports before settling on wheelchair rugby. Jamie made his international debut at the Canada Cup in 2014, he has since gone on to become a key member of the team representing GB at European and World level, making his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games.
Jamie is regarded as one of the best 2.5 players in the world which has been recognised on a number occasions with Jamie getting awarded MVP and best 2.5 player at the King Power Quad Nations, also picking best 2.5 player at WWRC Tokyo 2019, Four Nations 2019 and Japan Para Championships 2018. Jamie also captains his much loved club team Leicester Tigers and has led them to two league titles.
PREVIOUS PARALYMPICS: 2 (Rio 2016 – 5th, Tokyo 2021 – 1st)
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HONOURS: 3x European Championship Winner (2015, 2017, 2019), 2016 Rio Paralympics Test Event Winners, 2021 Quad Nations Winner, Tokyo 2021 Paralympics Gold Medal
Gavin Walker (Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Club) (Captain)
A former firefighter, Walker was selected to join the GB Development Squad in 2011, and joined a new cohort of players who now make up the main body of the national squad. Gavin continued to work for the fire service in Sheffield until 2012. In 2013 he was selected for the national squad and became a full-time athlete.
Gavin made his Paralympic debut at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games where he was consistently within the team’s starting line. At the 2019 European Championships Gavin and Chris led their team to their third consecutive European title. Gavin remained as Co-Captain of the GB squad and was integral to the teams success at the Tokyo Paralympics, where they won Gold. Away from wheelchair rugby, Gavin works for the Spinal Injury Association.
PREVIOUS PARALYMPICS: 2 (Rio 2016 – 5th, Tokyo 2021 – 1st)
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HONOURS: 3x European Championship Winner (2015, 2017, 2019), 2016 Rio Paralympics Test Event Winners, 2021 Quad Nations Winner, Tokyo 2021 Paralympics Gold Medal
Exclusive interview available here
Tyler Walker (Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Club)
Tyler Walker, born with Cerebral Palsy, has risen through the ranks of wheelchair rugby making his international debut in June 2024 at the Canada Cup. His journey in the sport began at the age of 14 when he was introduced to wheelchair rugby through GBWR’s junior programme. Recognising his potential, Tyler joined the performance pathway in January 2023 and has quickly developed into an exciting player.
A big football fan, Tyler passionately supports Manchester United, often catching games and following the team’s progress. When he’s not working or training, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
PREVIOUS PARALYMPICS: 0 (Debut Paris 2024)
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY HONOURS: GB Debut at 2024 Canada Cup