‘It felt amazing to be on the start line again’: the rugby pro who became paralysed
Aged 20, Taylor Gough had a car accident. Five years later, he’s hoping to compete in the 2028 Paralympics. How did he do it?
TL;DR
- Taylor Gough was a professional rugby player at 20 when a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.
- He spent time in a spinal unit relearning everyday tasks and how to use a wheelchair.
- Gough found a turning point by returning to exercise and adaptive sports, reconnecting with his resilience.
- He has since competed in wheelchair rugby, para-CrossFit, and para-canoeing, winning bronze at the European Championships.
- He married Paralympian Kylie Gough and aims to compete in handcycling at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.
- Gough now focuses on his current health and quality of life, drawing strength from his journey since the accident.