Boating accident left him paralysed. Sixteen years later, Mitchell Stone plays
Paralyzed in a 2010 boating accident, Mitchell Stone now plays for New Zealand in the wheelchair rugby league World Cup.
Mitchell Stone lay in his boat for nine hours with a broken back, cracked ribs and dislocated vertebrae before two kayakers found him. Stone spent six months in hospital and started wheelchair rugby league in 2011 to rebuild his life.
By 2013, less than two years out of hospital, he made his international debut for Australia. Now, 16 years after the accident, Stone will play in the World Cup at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, his hometown.
Stone qualifies for New Zealand through his parents' heritage and switched after new eligibility rules let players move between tier-two nations.
- 2010
- Accident year
- 22 years old
- Stone's age at accident
- Six months
- Hospital stay
- 2011
- Wheelchair rugby league started
Why it mattersStone's story shows how sport can transform a life after devastating injury, and the wheelchair World Cup is now a genuine competition with teams from eight nations.
AustraliaThe tournament is being held in Wollongong, Australia, putting a spotlight on wheelchair rugby league and accessibility in sport for Australians.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
