New ‘GI’ with point to prove against US
BOND University student Georgia Inglis had a point to prove when she was overlooked to represent Australia at the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships last year.
She responded by moving to the US on a scholarship and winning the world’s best women’s wheelchair basketball league with the University of Alabama team.
Now, with a 2019 College National Championship under her belt, the 25-yearold is again pressing for a spot in the Australian women’s team, the Gliders, for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I didn’t get selected for worlds last year and it was heartbreaking,” said Inglis, who is studying a Master of Occupational Therapy.
“I went away to college and have come back and am really proving myself. That snub is driving me for sure.
“I’m not going to let not being picked be an option for Tokyo.
“Going to the Olympics is my dream, I want to make the team and I want to make the starting team. I don’t want to be a bench warmer.
“Alabama really helped with that. I’ve been playing with world-class athletes and have seen what it takes to make world-class teams and what you have to do to get to that level.”
Inglis returned from the US last month and has had an immediate impact in the Australian WNWBL competition, helping Perth Wheelcats to an 11-0 win-loss record.
The guard’s form earned her a recall to a 16-strong Australian squad that will compete in a six-game series against the US in Canberra from June 28 to July 4.
“They are one of the best teams in the world,” she said.
“We have qualifiers at the end of the year in Thailand, so they are crucial for Olympic qualification. It’s hectic trying to fit in school and training and flying around the country every other week.
“I don’t have a life at the moment – it’s assignments and training and more assignments but being an athlete gives you life skills and time management. It’s hard work but a lot of fun.”
Inglis was 10 when she lost the use of her legs in an accident and since then she has wanted to inspire others on and off the court.
“I didn’t have the most amazing experience after my accident and my mission is to improve the system and spinal rehab,” she said.