We’re thrilled to report that WHS Sixth Form student Oliver Wightman, as part of the GB Wheelchair Rugby Team, achieved bronze in the European Championships held at The Hague, Netherlands between Tuesday, 22 April and Sunday, 27 April. The British team secured their medal with a 59-48 victory against Germany in the third-place playoff fixture. The win means that the team will go on to the World Championships held in Brazil in 2026.
Olly, who has only been playing wheelchair rugby for eight months, said: “It was an amazing experience, showing the world what I, and the GB team, have been working on, and the potential we have for the future.
“It was amazing seeing and playing against some of the world’s best wheelchair rugby athletes. Even though we didn’t get the result we were looking for, I think everyone was impressed with our performance and the new and young talent on the team.
“I can’t wait until next year when we get to play against the top teams in the world at the world championships in Brazil. With the amount of new talent, I believe that our team has the most potential across the world, and next year will be our opportunity to test this. Hopefully, this will help us meet our end goal and my dream of winning gold at the 2028 Paralympics.”
Oliver’s dad Ian told us: “It was a great team effort, and they played outstandingly well considering the team was only put together 4 months ago, with a lot of new players alongside more experienced ones. It was great to watch in a fantastic city [The Hague] and the venue was absolutely amazing too.”
Headteacher, Ms Pigdon commented: “We are immensely proud of Olly for winning a bronze medal in the European Wheelchair Rugby Championship. Throughout the tournament, our entire school community has followed his journey with great excitement. Olly is not only an exceptional athlete, but also an inspiring young person whose positivity and drive motivate everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.”
Listen to Olly on BBC Radio Cumbria talk about his part in Team GB’s wheelchair rugby bronze medal win here.
Photo:@melaniebutezphoto
