Mackay Trio Makes Paralympic History

Three Mackay-born athletes have been named in the Australian Steelers Wheelchair Rugby Team for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, marking a significant achievement for the region.
Shae Graham, Brayden Foxley-Conolly and Josh Nicholson make up a quarter of the 12-player squad and bring with them an inspiring blend of determination, skill and resilience.

Thirty-seven-year-old Shae Graham, was born in Mackay and faced life-altering challenges following a car accident at the age of 18, where she obtained a fractured spine and pelvis, as well as a raptured bladder and a brain injury. After relocating to Victoria for treatment, Shae discovered wheelchair rugby and quickly excelled in the sport. Her talent and dedication led her to become the first female to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby at an international level, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Shae’s ground-breaking achievements have paved the way for other women in what was once a male-dominated sport and she is set to compete in her second Paralympic Games in Paris.

Joshua Nicholson became a quadruple amputee at just 14 months old due to a meningococcal infection and moved to Mackay with his family in 2009. He began his athletic journey with the Mackay Machines Wheelchair Basketball Team during his high school years and represented Queensland at the U23 Nationals. In 2015, Josh transitioned to wheelchair rugby after moving to the Gold Coast to pursue a degree in Architectural Design.

His dedication and skill quickly earned him a spot on the Australian Steelers, making his international debut in 2017. Now at 29, Josh is eagerly anticipating his first Paralympic Games which is a milestone he has worked tirelessly to achieve.

Brayden Foxley-Conolly, the youngest of the trio at 19 also hails from Mackay. After contracting meningococcal at 22 months old, Brayden learned to navigate life with significant physical challenges. Despite this, he was determined to lead an active life and began playing wheelchair basketball with the Mackay Machines team at age 10. Brayden’s natural athleticism was soon noticed, leading him to represent Queensland and Australia in various international competitions.

Seeking a new challenge, he transitioned to wheelchair rugby in 2022 and quickly made a name for himself, earning a spot on the Australian Steelers. As a rising star in the sport, Brayden is thrilled to be part of the team heading to Paris, where he will celebrate his 20th birthday.

Despite the challenges they’ve faced, these three outstanding athletes have demonstrated nothing but excellence throughout their journeys.

As supporters from their hometown of Mackay, we wish them nothing but the very best as they prepare to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Come along to Harrup Park on Thursday August 29, 7pm to watch the trios first Wheelchair Rugby Game Watch Party as they vs Great Britain in the Paris 2025 Paralympics games.

What: Paris 2025 Paralympics First Wheelchair Rugby Game Watch Party
When: 7pm for a 7:30pm game start, Thursday 29th August
Where:  Harrup Park Country Club

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Left to right: Joshua Nicholson, Shae Graham and Brayden Foxley-Conolly (photo supplied by Shae Graham taken at the recent Canada Cup, Vancouver, June 2024).
Joshua Nicholson
Shae Graham
Brayden Foxley-Conolly. Photos supplied

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