Gareth Lynch #219

Games type: Summer Paralympic Games

Games year: Tokyo 2020

Para sport: Wheelchair rugby

Gender: Male

Date of Birth	5 November 1996
Coach	Greg Mitchell
Resides	Auckland
Occupation	Engineer
Classification	1.0
Eligible impairment	Loss of muscle power
Health condition	Quadriplegia (caused by spinal cord injury)

Social media

@gazzalynch

Bio

Gareth Lynch loves the intensity and strategy involved in Wheelchair ruby. In 2016, Lynch had an accident diving into a swimming pool that resulted in a C5 – C6 level spinal cord injury from which he has loss of power in his limbs.

Gareth is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and he has pursued them with determination since his accident. He has always played sport and has loved competing in a team environment again which is something he says he didn’t think he would be able to do after his injury.

Gareth was part of the Wheel Blacks team that placed 3rd at the 2019 Asia Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championships.

Gareth made his Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as a team member of the first Wheel Blacks side to compete at the Paralympics since 2008 . The team placed 8th overall and gained valuable experience to build on for their journey to Paris 2024.