Turning Challenges into Triumph: Brad Barclay’s Journey in Volleyball

 

For over three decades, Brad Barclay has woven his life around volleyball, a passion that has shaped his identity and fueled his determination. His journey took a significant turn in 2018 when he faced a life-changing challenge—a below-knee amputation. Rather than allowing this setback to deter him, Brad relentlessly desired to return to the sport he loves, aiming to get back into standing volleyball as soon as possible.

Around the time of his amputation, Brad became aware of sitting volleyball. However, he found limited avenues to participate in this emerging discipline, and it was not his immediate focus. Instead, his resilience shone through as he committed to competing again, and remarkably, he represented Australia in Beach Para-Volleyball just a year after his surgery. This achievement was a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport.

Since then, Brad has continued to make strides in the world of Para-Volleyball. He has competed in three international Beach Para-Volleyball events and has also participated in four Para-Volleyball Camps organized by Volleyball Australia. These experiences have not only honed his skills but have also allowed him to connect with others in the community who share similar passions.

The landscape of sitting volleyball has recently shifted in Australia, particularly with the announcement that the Australian Sitting Volleyball Championships will return in 2024. This exciting development opens new doors for Brad and many others with disabilities, providing a platform for competition and camaraderie that was previously lacking.

In a significant step for his career, Brad has been selected to complete his Level 2 Sitting Volleyball Coaching Course in China at the end of this month. This opportunity reflects his commitment to not only excel as a player but also to contribute to the development of the sport at a coaching level.

Earlier this year, from September 11th to 13th, Brad attended a Sitting Volleyball Camp at Essendon Football Club, gearing up for the Australian Sitting Volleyball Championships. His hard work paid off as he captained the Western Australia team to a bronze medal at the Championships held in Bendigo on September 14th and 15th. This accomplishment further solidified his role as a leader and an inspiration within the volleyball community.

Following the camp and the tournament, Brad has been selected to join the Australian Men’s Sitting Volleyball team, which will compete in China later this month. This selection not only marks another milestone in his remarkable journey but also highlights his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Brad Barclay’s journey through the realms of volleyball and sitting volleyball is one of inspiration, demonstrating how passion and determination can triumph over adversity. As he continues to pursue his love for the game, he remains a beacon of hope and motivation for others facing similar challenges, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Volleyball WA acknowledges our 2024 Sitting Volleyball team sponsors APM and Orthotic Prosthetic Solutions for their generous contributions, which supported all athletes to participate in this event. We would also like to acknowledge the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Inclusive Participation grant program which enabled us to run “Have a Go” sessions to find new participants for sitting volleyball.

COME AND TRY!