When a car accident in 1994 left the then 16 year old Grant a paraplegic, he used the support of family and friends to move past his accident and start a new direction in life.
Only two years after his accident, Grant began competing in wheelchair basketball. In 1999, Grant accepted a scholarship to the University of Illinois in the USA where he spent the next five years studying economics and representing the university in wheelchair basketball. He first represented his country in the 2001 Gold Cup Qualifiers in Japan.
Since then, he has continued to play for the team he loves. As a strong competitor and motivator, he is an essential element to the team’s continuing success. He knows that with the right level of training and dedication he and his fellow team mates were the team to beat at Beijing.
Already having success in Athens with a silver medal, Grant aimed to go one step further at Beijing. He doesn’t like to lose, recalling the loss of the bronze medal at the 2002 Gold Cup as one of the lowest points in his sporting career.
But with the continuous support of his wife, Grant kept a firm grip on his dream to bring home gold.
Date of birth 19 April 1977
Sport Wheelchair basketball
Disability Paraplegia
How acquired Car accident
Residence East Ryde, NSW
Occupation Investment analyst
First time competed in your sport 1996
First time competed for Aust 2001
Best international results Gold medal Beijing Paralympics 2008, Silver medal Athens 2004, 4th 2002
Gold Cup, 1st 2002 AOZ Qualifier
Paralympic Games experience Athens 2004
Greatest sporting moment First time representing Australia
Heroes/role models Karl Mizens
Favourite quote Tomorrow is promised to no one
